Shade Tree Wisdom 7/19/12

          The Letter to the Romans sort of sums things up when it teaches about government and the reasons for having law. It says in chapter 13,verse 9.10 “Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

          There is a reason for the Ten Commandments, St. Paul said they serve as “our schoolmaster, to bring us unto Christ.” Simply by showing us that we are indeed sinners. Gal. 3,24.

          Its purpose is so that we, the citizens, can live “a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”. For when people live together in society, they have learned certain principles they need to abide by if they are to get along. And when persons cross those principles, they become subject to whatever punishment a judge may met out.

          But the system is not absolute, and often breaks down. The Preacher said of it, “When a sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.” Eccl. 8,11. And he says, “And because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.” V.13.

          Because there are always folks around who believe they can do anything they’re big enough to do and trample on the rights of others. That calls for law, the reason why we have that blue line that steps in and restores order. God calls this “God’s servant to thee for good.” Romans 13,4a..

          Really, it’s because God set this order you and I can drive safely to the market, and to our worship place, and get home again safely. Thank God for His order.

GPD 7/19/12