Some in our world push against the laws of our land because they limit our freedoms.
Without them, we would face anarchy, destroying our peace, security and many of the values of society that we enjoy.
Laws give us parameters within to experience life.
There are many laws that we are glad for and follow with an act of faith each day.
One law is that we stay to the right side of yellow lines on our streets as we drive. Aren’t you glad that every car you meet adheres to this law instead of striking out on their own to have full freedom on the streets?
There are other laws in our country – such as do not kill, do not steal, do not lie – that allow us, for the most part, to sleep at night. These laws are at least good ideas, which found their beginnings in God’s Word.
People feel the teachings of God or His ‘laws’ are just a bunch of do’s and don’ts that would limit our freedoms. The more we trust them and live by them the more we see they actually are at least good ideas, but lead to enriching life for all who follow them.
“Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:97-100.)
There is much to gain by putting faith in God’s Word. Many reject them, desiring increased freedom, but do not realize that outside of them leads to lives of anarchy and pain.
What if we had a law that allowed everyone to have one day in the week off to rest and not work, to do whatever they wanted. The same day to finally connect with family or friends, which our work schedules often do not allow us to do. What if everyone was content with what they had and not jealous of the good things others enjoy. What if everything people said was the truth, to be fully trusted and no one would deceive or mislead anyone. Wouldn’t this give us confidence in relationships?
To follow God’s teachings in the Bible are at least good ideas, but the world calls it foolishness. By your own act of faith give God a chance and trust His Word. His “laws” are designed not to limit life but to give us contexts in which to find life to its fullest.
Greg Dalman is lead pastor at Maple Ridge Alliance Church.