The Laws of God

Yesterday we talked about God's mercies and forgiveness. Today, we sort of back track and look at the laws laid down by God and what it means to be faithful to those laws and to God.

We have rules and laws for a reason. It keeps the peace, steers our paths and helps us to not do whatever it is we want without repercussions. In order to reinforce the rules, there must be both punishment and rewards. If there is only one then these rules are not as effective. Think of it this way, when we are children, our parents give us certains things that we must do. Clean our rooms, take out the trash, go to school, etc. For most, the reward meant earning a few bucks every week. For others, it meant a satisfaction that we were able to show that we were responsible. And that's exactly what we do when we follow God's laws. We are demonstrating that we are responsible people, capable of remaining true to our God. We are forming a covenant with Him. We are promising to follow His rules and in exchange we will not only be a better person for it, but we are acknowledging the fact that we will be judged and punished if we break our agreement. 

When Jesus enters the picture in the New Testament, He tells us that He will carry out the promises of His Father, but He will also nurture us and help us to grow faithful. He sort of softens the blow. This encourages us to WANT to follow what God has put forth for us. It's not all fire and brimstone, hell and damnation. Remember, you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. BUT, if you chose to ignore the rules, keep breaking them, then you will pay for it, just not right away, though. You will have to answer to God the Father when you pass on from this world. 

Do you really want to risk that? Is it really worth breaking the rules if you know that you have displeased Jesus? Do you know that when you sin, you are breaking Jesus's heart? Think about that the next time you feel like stepping out of line. Think about your relationship with Jesus. 

Be blessed, dear reader. And remember.... be a nice human. It is worth it. 😇❤

Father Bill's reflection on todays readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgpgaVQNGhg

Here's a really cute video from Steven Curtis Chapman, reminding us that everything we do should be done for the glory and grace of Jesus Christ: https://youtu.be/uVTeIMursb8