Lawbreaker

Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.

Psalm 119:144 (NLT)

Laws are supposed to keep us, the general public, safe. They are intended to protect us from harm, abuse, or dangerous conditions. These are commonplace in states across our great land. Then, there are what some call “dumb laws.” These are the ones that make you go hmmmm.

Here’s a few examples of some dumb laws. In Alabama, it is illegal to drive blindfolded. This should be a no-brainer, but I’m glad Alabama is keeping their roads safe. In Arizona, it is illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub. I’m not sure what the donkey did, but I’m sure he deserved this. In Connecticut, a pickle must be able to bounce. Rest peacefully tonight. There will be no longer be flabby pickles allowed at dinner tables. In Indiana, it is illegal to ride a horse faster than 10 MPH. So, do that check that with radar? There are literally thousands of laws on the books across the United States that are quirky, weird, and just plain crazy. (If you want a quick sample of them, check out https://goo.gl/sFmTu7 for some laughs).

It’s easy for us to laugh at the laws that don’t make sense to us. But, when it comes to the law of God, it should be a different story. God doesn’t make dumb laws. In fact, as our verse today says, they “are always right.” This applies whether we like them or not.

One of the things I appreciate about our verse today is the authenticity of the author as he writes, “Help me to understand.” Why is it necessary to understand? Shouldn’t we just blindly follow? I mean, God’s laws shouldn’t be questioned, right? Wrong. God appreciates when we question Him for the sake of clarity. It allows Him to share His wisdom with us.

For God, His laws aren’t just about keeping us physically safe, but spiritually as well. His laws: 1) Help us live a better life here on earth; 2) Prepare us for life in the Kingdom of God to come. They aren’t there to punish us. They are there to guide us. To mold our character.

His laws also help us understand His character, His Kingdom, His love. Following His laws helps us to understand how much God loves and cares for each one of us. Each one is crafted to help us spiritually thrive, while simultaneously drawing us closer to Him.

Today, and every day, thank God for His law. It is perfect and good.