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I know the law. As a part of my job, I was put through a class that was rumored to be the hardest in my graduate program where Special Education Law was drilled into us. The purpose of the class was fairly obvious: you need to know what the law says, so that you can stay within the law, and provide and/or advocate for the rights of those you in your care. To finish the class, just as most classes require, you must demonstrate mastery in understanding and knowing the law.

However, I can know the law and not follow it. I can know what the law says and still choose not to be in compliance. Knowing the law is not enough. It is not whether or not I know the law that gets me into trouble, rather, it is whether or not I do what the law requires of me that does. In order to be right or in compliance, I must obey and do what the law says.

Special education law or public laws in general aren’t very different from God’s laws. They are clear parameters for what is expected and what is not – what is tolerable and what is not. They are not meant to set us up for failure or to rob us of fun or freedom, instead they are meant as protection, success, and blessing. Boundaries. Guard rails. A frame of explicit expectation set up and designed by the One who understands both the positive and negative consequences that result from our obedience or disobedience to His guidelines.

Romans 2:13 reminds us of this truth. “For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in His sight.” Listening is good, but listening is meaningless without putting what we hear into actions of obedience.

God’s laws were not created to hurt or restrict us. God’s laws were made from love to protect us and free us.

Friend, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4) God’s laws exist to turn us from lives of sin choices toward lives of freedom and holy living. In living holy lives I no longer live with the baggage and consequences of my poor choices – for I have chosen what is right. I no longer live with guilt and shame – I am free from those burdens because I have chosen what is better.

Doing and obeying God’s law will always be the better choice. Remember, our Father is too wise to make up garbage laws. He is too kind to lead us astray. He is too holy and good to be content with His children settling for that which disobedience brings.

God’s laws are an extension of God’s love.

Blessings!