“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.”–Proverbs 19:16
When the massive Hurricane Charley slammed into Florida in 2004 with 145 mile per hour winds, it destroyed more than 12,000 homes. But a later study by a group of insurance companies found that almost all of those homes had something in common—they had been built prior to 2001. In that year, a strict new building code was adopted which required homes to be strengthened to withstand hurricane force winds.
Jeff Burton, building code manager for the Institute for Business and Home Safety said, “There is very, very strong evidence that buildings built under the 2001 code that were built properly and inspected…fared much, much better than buildings that were built prior. The building code, as it exists today did its job.” There is a reason for the building code, and those who follow it find that it works. The same is true for the Word of God.
When we view the Bible and the things it tells us to do or not do as a set of restrictions that limit what we can do, we are tempted to resent the commandments of God. Many people completely abandon any pretense of holiness or godly living because they don’t want to be tied down by rules. Yet when the storm winds blow, those who have not built their lives according to God’s code find themselves facing destruction and ruin.
It is important that we understand the purpose of God’s commandments. First John 5:3 tells us, “…and his commandments are not grievous.” They are given for our protection. God does not arbitrarily declare some things off limits to make sure we aren’t having fun. The commands of God are given for our own good. When we follow them carefully, we receive both protection from evil and blessings from above as well.—-View God’s commandments as being for your protection, and you will find them a blessing rather than a burden.–Paul Chappell
