There are rules everywhere we go in life.  As children we learn that we must say please and thank you.  We must wash our hands before eating.  When we go to school and learn the rules of the classroom.  You can’t even go to the pool or beach without following the list of rules of conduct.  When we learn to drive we follow the rules of the road.  When we enter into a contract the law is in it.  When we get married, we are expected to live up to certain expectations.  Even when we grow old, we should make up a will so that our belongings aren’t fought over when we die. 

Rules – rules – rules!  Why do we have them?  Why can’t we be free to choose what we do in life without being bound by the law?  Why can’t we live the way we want to live without having to make sure we aren’t breaking any of the Ten Commandments; following the law of the land; abiding by the rule of law; heeding the rules of the road?

The Old Testament devotes five books to the Law of God and what was expected from His people.  These were not guidelines or suggestions – they were His law and were required to be kept.  If you read the book of Leviticus you will soon see just how difficult it was to remember every little detail that God had insisted on from His chosen people.  Each of those laws had a purpose.  Many concerned every day situations – sanitation – health – safety.  However, if you messed up on even one portion of that law, there were consequences.

Sometimes we as Christians forget that God’s laws were meant to show us our sin.  By examining our dark side, we soon see that there is nothing we can do on our own to save ourselves.  We need a Savior.  We have become comfortable with the freedom of God’s salvation through His Son, Jesus.  We are still under the law.  We are still responsible to God and our fellow man.  It’s easy to sit back and say, “I have been saved,” but then do nothing.  We have an obligation, as children of God, not only to spread His saving grace, but to live according to His commandments.  By doing so, we are honoring Him.