When Did Rules Become Optional?

            Wow! No matter where I happen to be lately, everyone is doing whatever benefits their own personal interest and no one approaches life as if the rules apply to them. Whether I am driving across the country, shopping in the supermarket, interacting with teachers, students, or family members, everyone does as they please. Has this attitude infiltrated even our churches?

Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (KJV)

             It is not uncommon in contemporary society to confront the “It’s all about me” attitude. Just take a minute and think about some of the stuff you’ve seen posted on any of the social networks, or the reality T.V. shows that have become so popular. In fact, just yesterday Michele and I were driving home and I heard the unmistakable sound of an approaching ambulance. Quickly looking around to determine its direction and proximity I pulled my car to the side of the road. Imagine my surprise as I saw a pick-up truck just driving along in front of the ambulance. The driver of the truck was simply oblivious to the emergency vehicle RIGHT ON HIS TAIL with lights flashing and sirens screaming.

Romans 12:2-6 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;” (KJV)

            The plan God has for each one of us is becoming a productive member of His family. Seeing ourselves not as individuals but as a necessary part of the whole family allows us to use our gifts and benefit every member.  Unfortunately, knowledge of the Bible has been steadily declining over the past few decades. People have little appreciation for God word and even less knowledge regarding how to apply that word to everyday situations.

Luke 6:31 “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (KJV)

            If we want to see this world transformed we cannot afford to treat the rules as optional. Let’s start with the “Golden Rule” and see how much more effective our witness becomes. It will only work if we all do it.

1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (KJV)