Sadly many believers in Jesus discount how the law of Our Lord can aid them in day to day activities in their lives. We certainly are not under the crushing curse of the law where either you obey it perfectly or you will die. This is indeed good news for those in Christ. But it is still something that is sweet to those who seek to please Our Father in heaven.
Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
(Psalm 119:97-104 ESV)
This became even more apparent when I was taking a class in ethics. It is amazing the miserable hand wringing one needs to go through using the ethics of our philosophers. It is lamentable as well when looking at these decisions that need be made is how one can justify almost any vile behavior under certain circumstances. We see this played out in our society by both Governments and Corporations. The men and women making these decisions are doing the ethical thing in his or her own mind using these standards.
Now consider, for example, the commandment to honor our father and mother. This works for a peaceful family life when children will seek to do what father and mother require. This can also be taken into the work place when one is out of the parent's home. Obeying the rules regarding times to be ready to work and not taking extra breaks, staying too long during breaks etc. will result in good reviews and possible merit increase. When driving honoring speed limits and stop signs or signals will eliminate one getting a traffic citation which will contain a fine and increased insurance rates.
However, the law always accuses. When one is honest with oneself he or she will admit they have not perfectly honored those who are placed in leadership. But we have good news! For the sake of the innocent suffering and death of Our Lord and Savior Jesus we are not held accountable for missing the mark. Our Father does not grade on a curve so we are constantly in need of this forgiveness. Thanks be to God for this gift of the forgiveness of sin. In addition he was resurrected for our Justification.
And our God keeps on giving. Due to the perfect life of Our Lord and Savior Jesus we have been giving perfect obedience to the law as a gift. We are therefore, by faith, looked upon by our heavenly Father as his dear and perfect children. May the name of Jesus evermore be praised.
Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen . †
