What I Thought Was Acceptable, Is No Longer Romans 5:13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Thoughts for Today: When my grandson Conner was young, he came to stay with us for several days while his parents were on vacation. My wife told me that bedtime was going to be a little challenging because Conner did not have a schedule -- he was allowed to stay up as long as he wanted and was only put to bed after he fell asleep. Obviously, that wasnt going to work for us. On the first evening, when 8:30 pm rolled around we got Amanda (our youngest daughter) and Conner ready for bed -- pajamas on and teeth brushed. Then I read them a story. Okay, lights out, sleep well, see you in the morning, I said as I kissed each one good night. Conner said: But Grandpa Im not ready to go to sleep. I said: Remember what I told you? The rules at Grandma and Grandpas house are a little different than Mommy and Daddys. At our house kids go to bed at 8:30. See you in the morning. Conner obediently nodded: Okay Grandpa. By the time my son and daughter-in-law picked up Conner after their trip, they were shocked to see he was not only going to bed at 8:30, but also eating what we ate at mealtime. My son asked: How did you get him to do it? My answer: I just told him what the rules were -- we all eat what Grandma makes (this isnt a restaurant), and bedtime is at 8:30. It wasnt very difficult because hes a really great kid. You guys have done a wonderful job with him -- just make sure he knows his boundaries and parenting will be a lot more enjoyable. So let me ask you this question in the context of our passage today: Did Conner know he was breaking a rule at his Mom and Dads house if he didnt go to bed at 8:30? And what if at meal time he would only eat peanut butter sandwiches (no jelly)? Of course not, because where there is no law there can be no trespass. Conner didnt know there were rules, so he couldnt be held accountable for breaking any. He thought bedtime was when he felt tired and he should eat only what tasted good. In our passage today, Paul explains this same concept applied to man before the Law was given ...sin is not taken into account when there is no law. In other words, you cant be punished for breaking a rule that doesnt exist. Questions to Ponder: It is interesting to me how the ways I used to think and act (which I thought were well within the parameters of reasonable Christian behavior), I no longer consider to be acceptable. How do I know? Because the Spirit of God has revealed greater truth and deeper understanding -- and I have responded accordingly. Are you still the same as you were last year? Do you think the little sin you commit goes unnoticed by God? If you are serious about growing in Christ, you must first face and deal with the sin you know of in your life. Christs death may have saved us from the penalty of sin -- but it hasnt saved us from its consequence. Think about that for a while -- it should motivate you.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 21:55:45 +0000
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