The Law Vs. Morality
 

The Pharisees are always looking for ways to tempt Jesus. On more than several occasions, they ask Jesus questions that pertain to the Laws of Moses to tempt Him so that they can find a cause to accuse Him. To the Pharisees, the ultimate thing to do is to keep the laws – i.e. observance of the Mosaic Law (the Laws of Moses). They see themselves as self-righteous people. In Mark 10:2, they tempt Jesus by asking Him, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” The Bible indicates in the same verse that they ask this to tempt Him.

 But, Jesus in His wisdom (though knowing the law) asks them what Moses commands them. Obviously, the Pharisees know the law, so they give the reply to Jesus instantly (Mark 10:4). However, Jesus explains to them that it is due to the hardness of their heart that compels the commandment of this law by Moses (Mark 10:5). In other words, divorce is never part of God’s original plan.

 You see, there is a thin line between the law and morality. But, morality is concerned about right and wrong according to God’s standards, whiles the law is concerned about right and wrong according the standards of society. This is why Paul says in the Book of Corinthians that: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” ~ 1 Corinthians 6:12, KJV

 What is Paul trying to tell us here? He is telling us that it is not every rule that is passed into law is beneficial to the Christian? And as such, we as Christians should not be brought under the power of any of such laws.

 So, what makes one law good and the other bad? The answer is simple. If the law does not conform to the standards of God as written in the Bible, then that law is not good and should not be adhered to by the Christian. Whiles, laws are amended from time to time and new ones made; God’s standards are the same from time to time. For example, before the 20^th century, there are no laws that allow homosexual marriages. However, recently some states in the USA and some other countries in Europe allow homosexual marriages. But, the Bible in Romans 1:22-28 describe the pathetic state of homosexuals. Since homosexuality does not conform to God’s standard of intimacy (Gen. 1:27, Mark 10:6-8); it should not be adhered to by the Christian. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego are examples of early Christians who defied such laws as narrated in the Book of Daniels (Daniels 3:12).

 The above is just one such example of laws that do not conform to God’s standards. Laws will be made by our governments and society, but it is not all of them that will help us. Because of the weakness of the law, people try to manipulate it, but nobody can manipulate morality, because it’s rooted in God. As Paul said in Romans 12:2, the contemporary Christian should not be conformed to this world, but should be transformed by the renewal of his/her mind. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost help and guide you in knowing the difference between good and bad according to His standards and not according to society’s. Be blessed in the LORD! Amen!