Jewish law detailed in the Old Testament is clear and concise. “An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth annd life for a life” doesn’t leave any grey area. Yet, when asked about his opinion on biblical law Gandhi provided a classic quote. “If this law was applied literally everyone would be blind and toothless.”
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, John 1:17.
Today, lawyers have crafted escape clauses and discovered loopholes to help clients avoid punishment. When you combine this with activist judges who view the United States Constitution as a living documents, law now evolves as society changes. This lack of consistency often results in chaos within classrooms, communities and work places.
What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet,” Romans 7:7.
Whenever someone is caught breaking a rule, knee jerk reactions tend to reply with something like “I didn’t know.” The purpose of rules is to prevent individuals from using the amoral card, not informed on right from wrong. Yet, laws without grace breeds teetotalism, the point Gandhi eludes to above. Therefore, two things are necessary to avoid a blind and toothless society. First, slow down long enough to read, reflect and meditate on the Bible. Then, when you go beyond the boundaries God has set, confess, repent and turn to God in prayer for forgiveness, grace and mercy.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 