“Help carry one another’s burdens . . you will obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NLT.
Changing the focus from yourself to others can change your life.
My thoughts and comments today are about “an inviolable law.”
The posted speed limit is not a suggestion for drivers; it’s a protection. The Federal income tax is not a recommended contribution; it’s a requirement. Gravity is not an optional reality; it is a law of nature, just as aerodynamics governs flight. You ignore those to your own loss and harm. Similarly, there are inviolable laws in the Kingdom of God.
The Ten Commandments are not ten suggestions; God established the Law, inviolable and eternal. When God said, “the tithe belonged to the Lord,” He did not request your benevolence; it’s a law that releases the inviolable principle of sowing and reaping. Malachi 3:8-12/2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” John 13:34. He was not requesting your best effort; love is the law of life and relationships within the Kingdom of God. Your obedience to the Laws of God is where God releases His blessings.
We live on a few acres of Texas Mesquite, with three dogs, cows, horses, and miniature donkeys – all within perimeter fences and plenty of room. Within the safety of those fences, they have freedom to enjoy and explore. On our property they are safe, fed, and protected. Beyond those fences, they could be harmed or become a hazard to others. Only bad things will happen to them outside those fences.
Freedom to do whatever you choose is not all that your heart tells you it would be. Liberty without law becomes license, not liberty. Galatians 5:13-14 NLT. God’s laws mark boundaries that are safe and beneficial. His law is not to confine and limit you; His law is to train and direct your will. God’s law protects you from straying beyond the bounds of what would be best for you and others. Paul instructed young Timothy, “We know these laws are good when they are used as God intended.” 1 Timothy 1:8 NLT.
As Joshua prepared to enter Canaan, the land of promise and plenty, God directed him to the Law and its promised blessings, “Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left that you may prosper wherever you go. This book of the Law . . you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success . . for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” See Joshua 1:7-9.
“Help carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NLT. That is much more than the nice thing to do; it is the right thing to do. Love, practical and observable, obeys, “the law of Christ.” If you want life to be blessed and rich with fulfillment and happiness, watch for chances to serve others, sharing their troubles and cares even when you have problems of your own.
When you lift others’ burdens, making their way a little lighter, God will lift yours. Changing the focus from yourself to others can change your life. “And God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends.” Job 42:10. My friend, Harold, said it this way, “What you make happen for others; God will make happen for you.” I have found that true in my life. From your generosity and kindness toward others, you enjoy the greater benefit. “The law of Christ” is an inviolable law. Obey it and you will succeed and prosper. “Oh, how I love Your Law.” See Psalm 119:97-106 NIV.
Today, my prayer for you is that you learn to love God’s Law and respect all laws.