The law of God is for me too
I didn’t sleep well after my previous piece of writing. I was quite direct in it and clearly said that the law is only for those people who cross the lines in life. It’s for the men and women who do wrong all the time.
The scripture is clear: 9It’s obvious, isn’t it, that the law code isn’t primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever!
Therefore, if I live according to the will of God, does that mean the law does not apply to me anymore? Yes, that is what the scripture says. The law is useless for people who do what God expects them to do.
And then I realised why I felt so uncomfortable, because although I don’t think about killing or murdering people, or about robbing them or destroying other people’s lives, I am part of the group who do not always do what God expects of me. Sin is not only what I do, but also what I don’t do. Let me repeat that: Sin is not only what we do wrong, but also what we must do, but don’t do.
God’s law definitely applies to me too.
God expects us to do good to others, but sometimes we are too lazy and too selfish, and then we just ignore those who are suffering. God expects us to make a difference in the lives of others – we’re all commanded to do that, but we often focus so much on ourselves that we don’t see the need in others, and do not even come close to helping them. Our programmes are simply too full.
God’s law definitely applies to me too.
Let’s take the summary of the law that Jesus gave us: Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Do I always do it? No! I neglect this simple command and do not always do it.
God’s law definitely applies to me too.
I get angry and say things that do not build up the other person, but destroy and cause pain.
God’s law definitely applies to me too.
And it seems we’re all part of: … the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever!
We cannot get away from this. The law of God is intended for each of us. But the purpose of the law is not to punish us. The purpose of the law is to support us in love, to softly persuade us to change our plans, to turn our eyes away from ourselves and to others, so that God can do the things He wants us to do.
God’s law definitely applies to me too, to correct and support me in love.
I think we can decide whether the law is there to punish us or to guide us lovingly. Your choice. I hope you choose the easy one.
Scripture
Reflection
Do you realise that God’s law applies to you too?
Where are you doing what you shouldn’t do?
Where do you have to live differently?
Prayer
Our Father, I know the law applies to me too. Sometimes I’m just too stubborn to acknowledge it. May Your Spirit help me to do more of what I have to do and less of what I shouldn’t do. Amen.
