Governing Regulations!

It is amazing sometimes how more can be less and less can be more. I have heard people make short CONCISE statements that have been quite PROFOUND while at other times heard people go on and on only to be left wondering what their point was. Note the following that has circulated via e-mail. I think it is worthy of consideration.

-- God so loved the world. (Only 5 words)
-- The Pythagorean theorem. (24 words)
-- The Lord’s model prayer. (66 words)
-- Archimedes’ Principle. (67 words)
-- The Ten Commandments. (179 words)
-- Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. (286 words)
-- The Declaration of Independence. (1,300 words)
-- The U.S. Government regulations on the sale of cabbage. (26,911 words)

Those first five words are a wonderful and encouraging declaration. The Pythagorean theorem is important to the mathematics of geometry. The Lord’s model prayer, though relatively short, is both reverent and practical in focus. Archimedes’ Principle relates to the law of flotation and is important to boatbuilding. God’s commands given on Mt. Sinai were specific and practical. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address has been often cited for its focus. The Declaration of Independence marks the freedom of a nation. And then there’s cabbage.

The “experts” of regulations make it appear that selling cabbage must be pretty complicated. Since I like cabbage, I suppose I should appreciate those regulations. However, I can’t help but wonder at such a great contrast between the need for that number of words compared to the 179 words of the Ten Commandments. Those commands given to the nation of Israel were destined to make a world of difference in their relationship with God (the first four commandments) and their relationships with one others (the last six commandments). Though very briefly stated, consider the difference it would make in the world today if everyone were to allow their lives to be governed by the CONCISE principles of the fifth through tenth commandments.

When Jesus was asked by an “expert” in the Law regarding the great commandment of the Law, Jesus responded as follows:

“(37) And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (38) This is the great and first commandment. (39) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (40) ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS DEPEND ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS.’” ( Matthew 22:37-40 ESV)

That was the basis for everything else. Having a proper love for God and for one another will have a dynamic impact on the choices we make in life still today.

One other contrast to note was given by the Lord prior to His providing the model prayer. On that occasion Jesus mentioned how the Gentiles thought they were “heard for their many words” (Matt. 6:7 ESV) and exhorted His listeners not to be like them. (Matt. 6:8) We should see that the CONCISENESS can go both ways.

Because so many look for the loop holes in regulations rather than ACCEPTING THE INTENT, lawmakers and regulators try to cover every base of which they can think. However, if mankind would stop playing games and ACCEPT THE SIMPLE TRUTHS OF GOD’S WORD, what a different world this would be. May the truths of God’s Word be lived out in our life on a daily basis with the hope others will begin to see God’s Word is still the best standard by which to govern life.

Have a great day LIVING TO REVEAL THE PROFOUNDNESS OF GOD’S PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE!
Carl

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