Sad to say, lawlessness is becoming a feature of American life.
To illustrate, consider a few recent news headlines…
Man Steals iPhones, Stuffing Them in Pants While Customers Watch
Illegal Migrants Beat Up New York City Police Officers: Released Without Bail
High School Basketball Player, Brother Assault Coach After Player Was Benched During Game
Unfortunately, stories likes these are no longer unusual.
They reflect the spiritual decline of our times — as well as our need for spiritual awakening.
But more specifically, the trend toward lawlessness reveals something else…
It exposes the price we pay when we forsake God’s law as a tool of dominion… and it shows our need to recover its proper use.
Let’s face it…
Neglect and outright rejection of God’s law has become the new normal.
For example…
It’s now common for county courthouses and other civic institutions to remove the Ten Commandments because civil leaders have adopted the myth of neutrality…
And it’s leaving the public square without any standard of right and wrong.
Yet even in the church there is a reluctance to mention and much less apply God’s law… out of a misunderstanding of grace and a fear of coming on too strong to seekers.
This is leaving church members without needed direction — along with the benefits of discipline — making them ill-equipped to serve as the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt. 5:13-16).
In short…
By our neglect of God’s standards of righteousness found in His law, we have sown to the wind and are reaping the whirlwind (Hos. 8:7).
And the only way to recover is a spiritual awakening that includes a returning to God’s law as a tool of dominion.
You see, despite its negative reputation among some, God’s law is an instrument or tool for building up communities and cultures.
And it does so in three ways…
First, it restrains evil.
The law functions to restrain evil and promote social order by providing clear guidelines for behavior and consequences for wrongdoing.
It serves as a deterrent to sinful actions and helps maintain justice within society (1 Tim. 1:9).
Second, it convicts of sin.
The law serves to convict people of their sinfulness and need for redemption.
It shows individuals their inability to fulfill the law’s requirements perfectly, leading them to recognize their need for a savior (Rom. 3:20).
Third, it gives instruction for behavior.
The law serves as a guide for righteous living.
It reflects God’s character and His desires for humanity, providing principles to not only please God but experience His blessing.
Further, it’s in keeping God’s law toward our neighbors, we show love that’s meaningful and objective — not just a fuzzy, abstract ideal (Rom. 13:8-10).
So take this with you today…
The law is good when it is used correctly (1 Tim. 1:8).
And if you are concerned about the conditions around you, learn how to apply God’s law as a tool of dominion where He has you… to provide light and build up.
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes (Ps. 19:8).
