By: Tania Harris

Many of us have a solid theological understanding of the difference between living “by law” and living “by the Spirit.” We know Paul’s words to the Galatians: “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18, NIV).

But what does that look like in practice? Research suggests we are not entirely sure. From the perspective of those outside the church, Christian communities are often described as judgmental, shame-filled, and legalistic. For a faith that champions grace and the finished work of Christ, we need to be honest: we are not always doing this well.

So where do we get it wrong? And how do we cultivate churches that are genuinely led by the Spirit and facilitate true transformation?

To answer these questions, we start by looking more closely at the way the Spirit works in an individual’s life. Greg’s testimony provides a compelling example.

The Painful Grip of Pornography

Greg decided to follow Jesus as a young man. His life changed dramatically, yet one area remained untouched: pornography. The addiction began at thirteen, when his father left Playboy and Penthouse magazines openly around the house- on the coffee table, the kitchen bench, always within reach. Curiosity became habit, and by sixteen there was no turning back. In a pre-internet age, Greg’s home became a popular hangout for hormone-fuelled teenage friends.

After becoming a Christian, Greg resolved to stop. Each morning he tried to avert his eyes. After school he focused on textbooks instead of glossy centrefolds. But every Sunday night he found himself at the altar in shame-filled repentance. His church emphasised strict rule-keeping; one failure meant you needed to be “saved” all over again.

“I’m sorry, God. I’ll never do it again.”

Prayer brought brief relief and renewed resolve. But by midweek Greg’s willpower weakened. A “sin binge” followed, escalating toward the weekend, until he returned once more to the altar the following Sunday. Back and forth. Week after week. Greg was exhausted, saturated with guilt and shame.

After two years, Greg finally gave up. One Sunday night, he refused to go forward.

In the church carpark afterward, he erupted in anger toward God. “I can’t do this anymore! You gave me these hormones. You gave me this father. And now you’re going to condemn me because I can’t live by your rules? I’m done.”

His friend tried to calm him. “We must be missing something.”

In frustration, Greg grabbed his Bible and tossed it onto the boot of his car. It fell open to Romans. One verse caught his eye: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Greg froze. Is that what we’re missing?

But if there is no condemnation, why do I feel buried under it?

A Different Kind of Centrefold

Weeks later, God spoke again through a vivid inner vision. Greg saw a Penthouse centrefold with two women posed provocatively. As he watched, the image distorted. Their bodies became covered in filth, decay, and sores. Maggots crawled across their skin and their faces twisted in terror. In the background he heard a girl screaming.

In an instant, the image lost its appeal.

Greg was confronted with the reality of an industry that dehumanises women and profits from exploitation, often involving children. He realised that every “yes” to porn was a silent consent to that system. When he objectified women, he participated in their degradation.

From that moment on, porn lost its grip. When temptation arose, the imagery repulsed him. The lust faded, and then disappeared.

Greg was free.

Failure of the Law

Greg’s story reveals two approaches to change. Can you see the difference?

We understand where Greg’s church was coming from. We want lives transformed. We know God is holy and we are called to be holy. So we establish rules and reinforce them. We preach sermons that set the bar high and equate holiness with moral compliance.

And for a time, it appears to work. Sheer willpower motivated by law got Greg as far as Wednesday before he collapsed back into shame.

Yet Paul tells us that living by the law leads to death. Greg experienced its fruit every Sunday night.

Though well intentioned, the church had created a culture that produced the opposite effect of what they desired. Rather than setting Greg free, it bound him up more with its guilt and shame, spiralling him into a sin binge he couldn’t break free of. The only way to preserve his mental health was to walk away.

A Shift from the Inside Out

Thank God for the intervention of the Spirit!

It was the Spirit who reassured Greg that there was no condemnation. No threats. No punishment. Grace alone was on offer.

Then the Spirit led him to a higher way- the way of love. Instead of focusing on behaviour, the Spirit addressed Greg’s heart. Love became the appeal to change. There was no shaming, only revelation. Greg saw the destructive reality behind the sin and was moved to run from it. Condemnation had driven him backward; love propelled him forward.

The difference lies in the motivation. Law relies on external factors- shame and the avoidance of punishment. Fear becomes the key driver. In contrast, the Spirit relies on internal drivers- love and freedom. As Ezekiel promised, the Spirit gives us a new heart and moves us to follow God’s ways (Ezekiel 36:27). One produces behaviour modification; the other produces heart transformation.

The Spirit-Led Church

Greg’s story illustrates the difference between living under the law and living by the Spirit. The law produced striving, shame, and condemnation. The Spirit brought truth, transformation, and freedom. The law can modify behaviour for a time, but it cannot produce lasting change. The Spirit alone transforms from the inside out.

This understanding reorients our role as ministry leaders. Our task is not to police behaviour, but to facilitate the work of the Spirit in people’s lives. We create space for the Spirit to speak. We encourage people to listen and respond. We pray for conviction and guidance—and then we watch as the Spirit does the work only God can do.

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Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.

About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.

Feature image: Canva