God’s rules reflect His character. As the part of creation made in His own image, we especially should give the right opinion of Him and His holy character. All of us have broken God’s rules. That is sin. Like a shooter who misses the target, sin is missing God’s standard of perfection. We were born in sin, and we also choose to sin every day.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
All of the laws of God can be wrapped up in two simple rules. We should love God first and most, and we should love other people as we love ourselves. (Romans 13:8-10) For example, God commands us not to lie because God is always truthful. God commands us not to steal because God is always a generous giver and not a thief. God commands us to love Him first and most because only He deserves all our love and worship. Failing to love and obey in this way is also a sin.
Study it Out
- The ten commandments found in Deuteronomy 5:6-21 give us a big overview of God’s loving law. Jesus Christ helps us further understand the “heart” of the law in Matthew 5:17-48. After reading through those passages, do you meet God’s requirement of perfection?
- What does James 2:10 say about the guilt of someone who faithfully keeps every single law but finally breaks just one? Are you guilty of breaking God’s law?