In the absence of authority, people entertain the depraved desires of their hearts. Thus, laws are enacted for the sake of peace and protection of citizens in a society. Yet to simply demand obedience to these laws will only encourage rebellion against them. So there is added an incentive to obey; penalties for those who break the law. Without consequence there can be no discipline. So there is a fear in the mind of every one who contemplates breaking the law; the consideration of what it will cost them should they be caught. It is this fear that will deter many from following through.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." (1 John 4:18)
The body of Christ, however, is not disciplined by fear, but by the laws of love that come through Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of our sinful nature (Hebrews 10:10); for "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
PJR
"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:14)
No comments:
Post a Comment