Romans 1:18-20 (NIV) 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
In past centuries and in most societies, moral rules have often relied on the sanction of the holy, whether it was the Greek mind discerning the divine order, the Romans assenting to the divine commands of the Emperors, or the founders of the USA declaring that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. And, if any of us have found ourselves looking over our shoulders thinking God is going to “get us for that,” then we have had some first hand experience of living with rules sanctioned by the Holy.
But, another dominant thought is that all moral rules are relative, are man-made and differ greatly from group to group depending on the varying needs and understandings of each group and place. This way of thinking has brought some positive benefits to move people beyond blind obedience to inherited traditions, and to no longer accept authoritative statements of any person or group as the last word. This way of thinking undercut the Divine Right of Kings. It stripped church and government of its ability to declare holy wars. There have been benefits in believing that all rules are relative, but these benefits have been a mixed blessing at best. Where there has been gain, there has also been loss. Ironically, the belief that rules are man made has not led to a lessening of laws, but to an increase of lawful control over people to preserve order and to prevent chaos.
What then is the Christian response to the belief that all rules are relative? Certainly we acknowledge that many rules are man-made and not God given. But, we also assert that God does have a way He wants us to live in this world, and He does have a will for us that is expressed through His laws. What we are given in the commandments of God is affirmed in what we discover in our life together when we seek to bring honor to and among all people. Against the chaos, we assert the order of God’s creation. Against all the brutalities of human life we assert God’s way of justice. Against all distortions of human relationships we assert God’s care and love.
The Creator is also Commander. His commands fit what He created us to be. His rules are not unjust restrictions on our wishes and desires. They are constructive channels for our energies to accomplish His purpose. His rules are not burdens that bury us in a sea of responsibilities. His rules are guides to a grace filled life.
From a sermon preached by Henry Dobbs Pope September 15, 1985
© Rhonda Hinkle Mitchell
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