The Truth About Following Rules

Romans 13:1 ESV ~~ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

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by Carley Cooper

Whether or not we like it, our society has rules that we must follow.  There are the laws of our city, county, country, and the world.  We have to follow certain rules at work.  God’s Word has laws on how we are to live our life.  Even our own household generally has rules.  There’s no getting away from it.  If we don’t follow those rules there are consequences that will result. 

Results of Breaking the Rules

If we shop lift, we will get charged, and maybe even go to jail.  If we betray someone we will damage a relationship.  If we don’t follow policies at work, we could lose our job.  If we don’t keep our home clean, we will put the health of ourselves and our family in jeopardy; not to mention it will be uncomfortable for everyone. 

Rules, laws, guidelines, and policies are put in place for our own good.  They keep us within safe and appropriate boundaries, which keeps us healthy, happy, close to God, and hopefully, civilized.  If we break God’s laws we are risking our salvation, if we don’t ask Jesus for forgiveness and repent. 

Laws Cannot Be Avoided

So with all that being said, I’ve wondered lately why so many think they can avoid following God’s laws, and then blame God for the consequences, or accuse Him of not being there when He was needed.  The other day I read a Facebook post by someone who was talking about something terrible that happened in their life. 

One of the comments that was left was by a person who wasn’t a believer in God.  The reply said “So where’s God now?” 

I have to say that when I read this, it really ruffled my feathers.  This person was accusing God of not being there because someone else went through a terrible trauma.  I’m not sure where the logic is in that kind of thinking.  Why do people think they can avoid living by God’s rules and not suffer the consequences?  Whether we like it or not, we are living on this Earth under God’s laws.  We live a sinful life, which means we haven’t followed God’s laws.  Therefore trials and trauma’s will happen in our life.  It’s of our own doing.  It’s not because God wasn’t there.  Break a rule, suffer the consequences.  That in itself is a law of God and nature. 

Romans 13:1-7 ESV says "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience."

Obedience has a Real & Beneficial Purpose

Life will go so much smoother, and we will be so much happier if we would just be obedient; not to mention the salvation we gain.  If you’re not a believer, why don’t you give it a try and see what happens.  I promise, if you follow God’s laws, you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams. 

Let’s Pray

Dear God ~~ You are so wonderful and awesome.  You are perfect, yet because of our sin, the world You created is not prefect.  But, You know how to fix it by making laws for us to follow.  We are blessed because of this.  So often we forget this, and try to live or lives by making our own rules, as if they could possibly be better than Yours.  Thank You that You are so forgiving.  Thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus, to save us from our own sins.  Please help me to always follow the laws of Your Word and the authorities You have set in place in everything I do.  I pray in Jesus name, AMEN

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer? Please share in the comments section.

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