But I would not have even thought about wanting and desiring so much, had it not been for the law saying, “don’t covet!” But, sin saw an opportunity in that commandment, and brought to my mind lusting after everything I could think about. (Romans7:7-8)
Some people really like rules and
regulations because they can set limits on how much abuse is allowed. Is your
response to a rule ever, “How can I get around this?” In some ways, as compared
to simple rules being applied with judgment, having a lot of detailed
regulation can legitimize bad acts and bad actors if those actions are not too
much or too bad. A regulated environment can encourage selective enforcement
and punishment by you or by others.
As a Pharisee himself, Paul was familiar
with all the bad ways to use laws and rules. Certainly, he saw the waste of
time and needless oppression of people under a heavy load of rules. But, Paul
also saw another aspect of the law. He observed that the sin remaining in his
flesh seems to be drawn toward evil simply by knowing what is evil. Presenting
the rules against actions, seemed to draw him to those very same prohibited actions
as he thought about them.
Be cautious as you define your values to
give definitions that are positive, and full of promise. Don’t engage in trying
to control each detail. Let the Lord lead you to communicate in a clear and hopeful,
yet simple and trusting way.
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