We’ve all had our moments when, for whatever reason, we felt like “the rules don’t apply to me.” We get in a hurry and “bend” the rules just a bit to get a project done on time. We run through the stop light that “was barely red.” We go against policy or instruction so we can get a little ahead. We stand next to the sign that says, “Don’t Stand Here” and block everybody’s view so we can get a good video of our kids’ performance. I see this almost every day in one form or another. We bend or break the rules because it is not convenient for us or they slow me down or any number of other reasons.
I have heard the phrase “rules are made to be broken” and I have probably even used that phrase a few times in my life. While I agree that some of the rules just don’t make sense, the rules are generally put in place for a reason, even if they don’t make sense to me. But, there are some rules that are definitely not made to be broken.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:17-20 that we need to be careful about following God’s commands and warns us about following some of the false teachings. I hear a lot of teaching today from religious leaders that is not in line with what the Bible teaches. The teaching is framed in a context that sounds good, and sometimes even supported by scriptures that have been taken out of context. The teachings sound good, so we follow. I mean, the Bible was written a couple thousand years ago. Does it really apply to me today? Yes!! God’s laws are set in place “until heaven and earth disappear.” They are not put in place to restrict us and hold us back. The “rules and regulations” from God are given to us to protect us and to give us life.
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do”
James 1:25
God created us and he knows better than anyone what is best for us and how we work. How many times has science and research changed their opinion on what is best for us? Eating carbs is good for you. Eating carbs is bad for you. No, eating carbs is good. Sorry, we were wrong. Eating carbs is bad. I work in healthcare and every day I see people in the hospital with serious health issues because they chose to not follow the rules of God. Laws he set in place because he wants us to live healthy lives and “be blessed in what they do.” He knows how we are made and how we work. God wants the best for us.
As we move into the next part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins to review some of the “perfect law that gives freedom” and takes it beyond just a law on paper. I am looking forward to the upcoming days as we continue to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” and the laws of God begin to move from the paper to our hearts.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore, anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5: 17-20 (NIV)
