BIBLE PASSAGE:
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
(Psalm 19:7)
MEDITATION:
How do you feel about the laws of the land? Chances are you are glad
they have been established, until you get a speeding ticket. When the
laws infringe on you personally, you can have a different opinion of
them, right?
However, we could all agree that without the laws of the land, we could
be living in a world of chaos and anarchy. That is why our forefathers
created the Constitution of the United States. They knew the importance
of establishing guidelines for the citizens of this new country.
Now, how do you feel about God’s laws? Do you feel that they are an
infringement to your own desires? Just as we need ‘laws of the land’
to prevent a chaotic world, we need God’s laws to prevent a chaotic
life. God knows we need guidelines if we expect to enjoy life, and
experience His blessings.
He has given us a ‘spiritual constitution’ (the Bible) for our benefit.
The beauty of the Bible is how much it tells us about God, His Son
and the Holy Spirit. We can look at nature and sense that there is
an Almighty God, but nature doesn’t help us understand His mercy,
His grace, and His unending love.
Our conscience can give us a feeling that someone higher than
man exists, but it cannot explain God’s desire for everyone to
enjoy a relationship with Him. Neither nature, nor our conscience
can reveal to us the powerful expression of love shown when Jesus
made Himself a living sacrifice for our sins.
Loving those who are our adversaries is not a concept that is easily
understood, but when we see it lived out in the scriptures, we know
that it is possible. We should be thankful to God for providing us
with His Book (aka constitution).
What should we do when the laws of the land conflict with God’s laws?
We obey the greater of the two – God’s laws. Although our forefathers
were godly men who considered God as the highest authority, we have
seen that those who came later have a different opinion and respect for
Him. Consequently they can (and have) enacted laws that are in direct
contradiction to the laws God has established for His people.
What has been the result of these ‘ungodly’ laws? They have created
confusion, frustration and division among the people. When man’s
laws conflict with God’s laws, it is an indication that some people
believe God has made some mistakes which need to be ‘fixed’ by man.
How can we know that man’s laws are different than God’s laws? We know
it by understanding God’s laws – this is the reason we should read the Bible
frequently. Some may feel that those called by God to be preachers, teachers,
etc. have been given a responsibility to teach us about God’s Word.
To a certain degree, that’s true, but we need to go deeper than that. We have
a responsibility to learn and understand God’s laws for mankind. If you are
not reading the Bible, then start. If you are reading it occasionally, then start
reading it daily.
When someone said they needed to hear from God, a friend said,
“Read the bible”.
When they said they needed to hear from God audibly, the friend said,
“Read it out loud”.
Of course the point is, if we want to hear from God, then start by
reading His Word – the Bible.
ACTION:
If you are not attending worship to get a better understanding of His Word,
then start. If you are attending worship occasionally, then start attending it
frequently. If you attended worship on a regular basis in the past, but have
stopped, ask yourself,
“Why did I stop attending church?”
“How has not attending church affected my attitudes?”
“What have I allowed to take the place of attending church?”
One of God’s laws is to meet together with other believers to worship
Him (Hebrews 10:24-25). Could this one of His laws that infringes on
your own selfish desires? If so, then what do you plan to do about it?
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your guidelines for
enjoying life and the blessings You have for those who love You
and are Your adopted children. Help me to develop a greater
appreciation for what You have provided, and to dedicate time
for diligently learning more about You, Jesus, the Holy Spirit,
the spiritual gifts You provide, and the blessings available when
we live our life within the boundaries You have given us. Teach
me how to grow closer to You, and sanctify me so that I will know
how to use the spiritual gift You have given me. Forgive me for
not being more active in serving You. Create a new mindset in
me that has a sensitivity to the needs and desires of others. Show
me how to be kind, so I will have a desire to lift the spirits of others
and encourage them, especially when they are going through difficult
times. Thank You, for making me aware of Your presence whenever
I am having problems which threaten my faith and hope in You.”
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