Issue 1305 – Loopholes – November 24, 2023
I frequently hear people complain when they get speeding tickets or other traffic tickets. It is invariably the fault of the law enforcement officer for “hiding too well,” “not caring enough,” or “cops having to fill their quota.”
“After all,” they say, “I was only going XX km over the limit.” “I didn’t see the no parking (or no u-turn) sign.”
People spend large amounts of money to buy radar detectors to let them know that the police are watching so they can speed with impunity. When the police change radar bands or use photo radar, the people are being “unfair.”
These same drivers spend more money to buy photo-distorting shields for their plates so the photo radar can’t identify them.
Seldom, if ever, do these same drivers stop to think that if they stayed within the posted limit, they wouldn’t get a ticket. I’m not saying there are no reasons to exceed the limit, but if you do so and get caught, don’t whine.
It isn’t just about traffic infractions; we can behave like that. When something goes wrong, we want to pass the blame on to others or look for a way around it. I like to joke that the most commonly searched-for book of the Bible is the Book of Loopholes.
When we become uncomfortable with something the Bible tells us, we look for the loophole that makes our position acceptable.
Oh, the Bible doesn’t really mean THAT.
That Scripture only applied to the Old Testament.
That part of the Bible isn’t literally true.
Jesus didn’t say that himself; it was only one of the other New Testament writers.
I’m sure you have heard some variation or another on those themes.
We will go to great lengths to justify ungodly, illegal or unethical behaviour. Nations often write their laws so they don’t have to face up to God’s truth.
The Lord knew we would be like that, so why did He give us laws and commandments?
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:19-20
The LORD did not give us laws and commandments so that we could find loopholes or rewrite things as we saw fit. They were given so we would look for Him when we were in difficulty. He gave them as a tool to point us towards his unending, perfect, holy love.
Until next time, when you fall short [that is when, not if], look to God instead of making excuses or passing blame. May the Spirit convict you of truth the next time you search for a loophole.
May you turn to Him in repentance and be restored to the right path.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
__________________________________________
Please like and share this post with friends and your circle of influence. Also, feel free to comment.
Did you know that we have an email version? It has the same great content but in a different format. Subscribe today https://mailchi.mp/f27bbeb09c22/gleanings-1
______________________________
All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
___________________________________________
#love #peace #hope #Gleanings #theWord #devotional #gospel #Christian #hope #encouragement #Biblestudy #faith #dailyBible #verseoftheday #grace #KevinCorbin #god #life #Jesus #father #son #HolySpirit #grace #mercy #loopholes #law #Commandments #speeding #excuses