First, let me make it very clear keeping the rules does not bring us salvation. We are saved by the grace of God through placing our faith in what Jesus did, not what we have done. It is not of our works of keeping the law. However, James makes it clear if we are saved, we will keep the rules. We will show good works in our lives as we live out our salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
James 2:17-18 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”
Rules have always been around for almost everything. The very first rule was given to Adam and Eve in the garden. They were told not to eat the fruit of one particular tree in the garden. Unfortunately, we all know what breaking that rule cost us. Rules keep things in order, they give us a guideline to follow so that chaos does not become the norm in our lives.
Genesis 2:16-17 “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
We are instructed in Romans 13:1-2, to be in submission to the laws of the land. These powers that enforce the rules are ordained by God and if we resist, we are resisting God’s ordinance.
Romans 13:1-2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever, therefore, resisted the power, resisted the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
Rules are given in every aspect of life. The Bible is full of rules such as the Ten Commandments. They instruct us on how to relate to God and how to relate to our fellowmen. They are for our protection. Rules keep us safe physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In the physical realm, it makes perfect sense to keep the rules. Most rules in the physical realm are for our safety and it would seem that common sense teaches us not to violate the rules. For instance, you don’t cross a street with oncoming traffic. If you do, you are putting your life at risk. Traffic laws are for our safety and the safety of others. Common sense teaches us not to cross a train track with an oncoming train, yet year after year we hear of crashes on train tracks where people thought they could beat the train. However, they were killed because they didn’t obey the rules. When we fail to follow the rules set up by those God has ordained in authority, we are taking risks with our own lives.
How does keeping the rules help us emotionally? When we live keeping the rules we do not live with the fear of the consequences of our actions. If I tell the truth, there is no fear of a lie being found out. When we keep the rules, our hearts are in tune with God and there is peace knowing we are obedient to Him. When we keep the rules there is no guilt. With all sin, we should feel the guilt of our sin because we are guilty! Doctors have proven that unresolved guilt can cause mental illness. Our guilt can cause feelings of shame, anxiety, frustration, and humiliation. David understood this when He broke the rule of committing adultery with Bathsheba. He suffered greatly from the guilt of his sin. He saw the consequences of his sin lived out in his family. In Psalms 51 he finally confesses and repents of his sin and God forgives Him and restores their relationship.
Psalm 51:3 “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”
Spiritually, keeping the rules allows us to draw close to God, to have a relationship built on our love for Him and His love for us. In John 14:15 Jesus makes it clear “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Keeping the rules is evidence that we love God. You cannot have Jesus as your Savior if you don’t allow Him to be your Lord. The word Lord means Master, if he is your Master you will want to please Him and obey.
Most people keep the rules of the land for fear of the immediate consequences. Sometimes they discount the rules God has laid out in His word because they don’t see the consequences. They look at God as a loving God but forget He is holy and just. Some understand that one day they will stand before Him and give an account for their actions here on this earth. Yet, they bury this knowledge in the back of their minds as if it doesn’t matter. However, one day it will make a difference for all eternity, but then it will be too late to change. Now is the time to evaluate your life. Ask God to reveal areas of your life that need to change to be in complete obedience to Him. Doing this will also show you where your love for Him measures on the “love of God meter.” Remember Jesus said our love is measured and shown by our obedience to Him.
