January 10 GOD’S WILL: PRESERVATION OF LIFE

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause…” Matthew 5:21-22a

The Master Teacher added a wonderful depth of understanding to the Ten Commandments, all for the purpose of preserving life. To cultivate a wrong attitude is to regard iniquity in my heart (Psalm 66:18) resulting in prayers that go no further than the ceiling.

Many church-goers are being erroneously taught that the cross of Christ released the human race from the binding claims of God’s eternal law upon His people. But the teachings of Jesus demonstrate just the opposite, revealing the spiritual dimension that addresses our whole being, our actions and attitudes. Our eternal future is foremost in His mind!

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28 (see also Mark 10:19)

The Lawgiver is showing us where we err that we might seek His forgiveness and divine aid to overcome our sinful patterns. Paul certainly attests to the convicting and cleansing power of our God:

For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7

For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.” For he who has entered His rest has himself ceased from his works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:4,10

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:9

James hints that the Ten Commandments are like links in a chain. Even one broken link defeats the entire purpose.

God’s ultimate will is the preservation of life. The conflict enters when my will—my own moral standard—is stubbornly kept in place instead of allowing His truth to realign my thoughts and actions. The solution is to go directly to Jesus and ask His forgiveness and help. Keeping His commandments is a matter of the heart. He said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Be very wary of those who preach a Jesus who has negated His moral law. The Creator and Redeemer is also the Lawgiver. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. These titles highlight His rulership and authority. Bowing to His rule is accompanied by this assurance: He will move heaven and earth to come to the aid of any of us who truly desire to live for Him. Do you believe that?