Are all things legal beneficial?

 “I’m sixteen. I’m the only one with a driver’s license and have a car.” I kicked the ground and dirt drifted onto his pant leg. My dad stood tall beside me. “You may be old enough and I trust your driving skills, but what I don’t trust is the situation.”

“If we’re old enough to fight for our country; why shouldn’t we be allowed to drink legally?” I debated. Dad sat up a little straighter. “Yes, honor and respect is due to those who serve our country. However, age isn’t the issue; it’s what alcohol does to one’s common sense that concerns me.”

I challenged my dad about lots of things, but respected him greatly. When he said it wasn’t me he distrusted but rather the situation, I stepped off my rebellious soapbox. 

My parents set wise boundaries to protect me from evil and harm. I didn’t always stay within the boundaries, but the minute I stepped over the line I heard Dad’s voice.

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So, does physical age make it okay to do something?  Do the laws of man nullify God’s commands? Are man’s laws wiser and better than God’s? Are God’s too old-fashioned? Should we make the Bible fit today’s standards?

God sets boundaries for our protection—including enlisting parents to teach us. Just as Adam and Eve, we have been instructed. Yet, like them, we reach across the lines to pick the forbidden fruit. We think we are wiser…or we simply don’t think.

When we step outside God’s boundaries and partake in the forbidden fruits, our relationship with Him is shattered. Like the Garden couple, we hide from Him because we don’t want to face the truth of our sin. Yes, Jesus provided the way to restore our relationship with The Creator. God sent Him to save us by grace (unmerited favor).  When we accept and receive Jesus as Savior, He forgives our sin and gives us eternal life.

But does that open the door to live anyway we want?

Paul asked in Romans 6:1(ncv): “So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us even more grace?” And he emphatically answered: “No!”

So, how do I avoid the dangerous sinful situations in the first place? I listen to The Father’s voice, “Just because “All things are lawful…not all things are profitable…’” 1 Corinthians 6:12 (and 10:23) nasb

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As I watch this world attempt to blur the lines of Righteousness—through TV, movies, trendy books, the internet—my heart cringes. I pray for my children, grandchildren, and the world:

• to meditate upon His Truth day and night
• to hide God’s Word in their hearts
• to tune into His Voice

(Psalm 119:9-11; Joshua 1:7-8; Psalm 1; Deuteronomy 5:32; Romans 6)