Looking For Loopholes
We have been dealing with lockdowns and restrictions for almost a year now in Northern Ireland. I'm sure that just about everyone is fed up with them and wants everything to go back to normal. One thing I have noticed over the months reading posts and comments online is just how many people try and find reasons why the rules shouldn't apply to them. They search for loopholes to get around the restrictions, or think that as long as they aren't caught then they can do what they like.
This isn't a new thing, you just have to look at the number of people who blame the speed cameras or police when they are caught speeding, or drink driving. They have the attitude, 'as long as nobody gets hurt what's the problem'.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2
Humans just don't like being told what to do, even more so what not to do. Even with
a young child, as soon as you tell them not to do something that is all they want to do. We pick and choose which bits we stick to and try and find ways to get around the rules we would rather see not there.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
The Bible tells us we are to obey the laws of the world and to submit to those who govern us.
I think we try to do this with the rules God has given us as well. Ever since Adam and Eve, man has broken God's rules. We pull the Bible apart saying this bit I'll believe and obey, but the Bible was written so long ago this bit doesn't apply anymore. As long as nobody knows what I am doing it's all okay.
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1John 2:4
We try and find loopholes in God's word, or reasons that that rules don't apply, just so we can live how we like and keep convincing ourselves we are 'good' people.
Rules are generally in place for a very good reason, for our benefit or that of society as a whole. Those trying to find loopholes could very well end up tying themselves up in knots and in trouble. We should be aiming to obey God's commandants 100%. I know that often even the best of us fail, we are only human. Thankfully we have a loving, forgiving father who will forgive us our sins when we repent.
There are times when earthly laws are in direct violation to God's Law, it is only in this situation we should disobey them. However we need to fully accept the consequences of doing this.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts5:27-29
God's Law, however, is perfect. It never goes out of date, or changes depending on popular opinion. Maybe instead of trying to see how much we can 'get away with', we should all be trying to see how closely we can follow his commands.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. Psalm 19:7-9