God’s Rules Were Not Made to be Broken

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

You’ve probably heard, as I have, that rules were made to be broken. We tend think that way when we believe a rule was capriciously made or which was not founded in reason. Maybe it’s true in some cases, like when a car can be driven just as safely and sensibly at 40 MPH as 30 MPH on a particular stretch of road, but for whatever reason, some authority thought the lower speed limit was better. So, drive that way or be ready to pay up! 

May I be so bold as to say I hope you don’t think that God’s rules were made to be broken! His rules were not only made in reason, but also in absolute, all-knowing wisdom. It’s not like God woke up one day and said, “I think I’ll make some crazy rule just to mess with people.” Never! God perfectly understands what is best for everything and everyone. He doesn’t change His rules due to sociological experiments either. Every one of His rules are like a manufacturer’s guarantee for true happiness — for your good!

When we disregard God’s rules, that’s called sin. Yes, I know it’s an unpopular term today, but let’s use that good, biblical word and call it what it is, sin. God’s rules are not mindless, purposeless regulations that, if they weren’t there, would otherwise make your life happier, easier, or less stressful. They aren’t meant to restrict your freedom, they are for your good. 

It’s like the guy who went to a beach and saw a sign that read: “NO Swimming.” He wasn’t about to let someone restrict his desire to enjoy a day in the water, so he jumped in. It wasn’t long before he saw dorsal fins coming his way and he needed to get out in a hurry. He was in shark infested waters. The rule wasn’t made to restrict his happiness, but for life itself. 

God’s ways are not our ways, so said Isaiah [55.8-9]. He named sin “sin” for a reason. He made disobedience to His rules painful for a reason. Live God’s way. It’s better for you, even life itself — and abundant life at that! [John 10.10]

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13