The weight
of the law bears heavily on people because legislators feel compelled to
attempt to right every wrong. A few years ago, after seeing how a traffic
violation stacked multiple fines and fees amounting to nearly $1000 on a poor
person, I called the NJ lawmakers who represent our region. I told them about the family I knew who became
homeless as a result of one traffic stop that led to a crushing series of
fines. Each man listened politely, thanked me for calling, and went on passing
more laws to try to regulate our daily lives.
I wonder if
Christians sometimes adopt the same behavior, trying to make better ‘disciples’
by creating multiple religious laws? The
Pharisees did it and Jesus condemned them.
He said “They don’t practice what
they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift
a finger to ease the burden.” (Matthew
23:3-4 NLT) We can make all the rules we think are necessary, but they won’t
really change much. Unless there is a
change of heart, the sinful nature will find a way around the rules. Or, like
the archaic laws I wrote about, our rules will just be ignored.
One of my
favorites passages reminds me of the futility of trying to regulate my behavior
with endless lists of rules. "You
have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of
this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as,
“Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings
about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because
they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline.
But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires."
(Colossians 2:20-23, NLT) If my desire
is truly to please God, I will find myself often in the Presence of Jesus. I
will open my life to the Holy Spirit, letting Him lead me, quickly responding
when He awakens my conscience to some thought, word, or action that is not
pleasing to my Father in heaven.
A nation
needs laws, but if we think that law alone will make a better society, we are
fools. The cost for a cop on every corner and jail cell for every offender will
crush the country. A well-ordered, prosperous nation demands inspired leadership,
shared values, opportunity, and education.
Without respect for reasonable laws, we all become scofflaws.
A Christian
who wants to know the best life God has planned for him goes beyond childish
restraint and learns to ‘delight himself in
the Lord´ so that He can ‘give him the
desires of his heart.’ (Psalm 37:4) Are
you struggling with temptation? Carry it
to Christ in prayer. Ask Him to lead you
through the training that will reshape your mind and heart around His
will. Troubled by the state of your
church? Lift it to Jesus
prayerfully. Ask Him for greater love;
in you, in those with whom you live.
Pray for renewal, not mere restraint.
Here’s the
word from the Word. Meditate on the
truth that transforms. "So, chosen by God for this new life of
love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness,
humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second
place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the
Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s
your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ
keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going
off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
Let the Word of Christ—the
Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.
Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your
hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be
done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of
the way."
(Colossians 3:12-17, The Message)
_________
I'm calling out to You,
There must be something more,
Some deeper place to find-
Some secret place to hide-
Where I've not gone before.
Where my soul is satisfied
And my sin is put to death,
And I can hear Your voice,
Your purpose is my choice,
As natural as a breath.
The love I knew before,
When You first touched my life,
I need You to restore-
I want You to revive.
Would you place in my heart
A passion for Jesus,
A hunger that seizes,
My passion for You?
My one desire,
My greatest possession,
My only confession,
My passion for You.
Passion For Jesus
Brian
Houston
© 1999
Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
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