God’s Law or Man’s Law?

Today it is becoming more and more of a struggle or even an outright battle between the law of man and that of God. While we live here on this earth and live under the government of men where do we draw a line between obedience to the Law of Man and the Law of God? It is becoming more and more of a problem as man continues to override God’s law with their own and forcing people to accept theirs and reject God’s. In our world today you are almost forced to live two lives; one that appears to be in unison with the Laws of Man and another in obedience to God’s Law. What isn’t helping the matter is that the Christians who are supposed to support and obey God’s law are more in line with the Laws of Man.

Are we to be tolerant of laws that go against God’s?

Are we to be compromising so as to fit in with everyone else?

What about the idea of “If we are too strict in following God’s law we will alienate people from finding Christ”?

If we are bringing people to the Lord under false pretenses what good is it to them? If you are not teaching the truth then what is being taught to them? What kind of a foundation will they be able to build upon if that foundation is based on lies? Matthew 23:15 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”

There are too many that serve God but at the same time make His law burdensome by adding their own partisan beliefs to God’s law and not leaving the law alone for it can be a joyful thing. Matthew 23:23 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” On the other hand David delighted in the law Psalms 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

David spends most of Psalms 119 talking about the way of God and His law, commandments, precepts, judgements, statutes and testimonies. Of course I could have made even more of the verses bold, but what I have is enough I would have say to, to show how David loved the law of God. I specifically like verses 115 and 150 because they point out what type of people do not delight in the law of God. Evildoers and those that like mischief are those that keep not the commandments of God.

So where does this leave us? Especially if man’s law opposes God’s? For me I will obey God’s law over man’s law regardless of what man may do to me. I would rather stand before God with a clear conscience than trying to make up excuses to justify being disobedient.

Some may try using what Jesus said in Matthew 22:17-21 “Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?[18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?[19] Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.[20] And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?[21] They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” to say that we are to obey the law of the land to be good Christians. Only problem with this is that this law did not contradict any of God’s laws.

It would be a totally different story if the law of the land demanded, let’s say, for me to preform same sex marriages. In this case the law of the land is in direct violation of God’s law and I would not uphold that law. This brings up another issue that Christians face because of picking and choosing what they want to follow when it comes to God’s law. If you strictly stick to the Ten Commandments, and leave out the rest of the Laws of God, than they have no leg to stand on when it comes to opposing same sex marriages. The Ten Commandments contains no law that says same sex marriages are wrong. Either you uphold all the law or none of it, for if you pick and choose the ones that you like than you have made it all null and void.

We should pray for those that take a stand to keep the law of God over that of man when they come into conflict. We should also support in whatever way those that are fighting back against this increasing wave of evildoers that have for many years been working on bringing down all of God’s laws. Though my beliefs may differ from others I for one will be support those that are fighting to bring back our religious freedom and fight against those that are trying to remove God from our land and for this I support the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice) http://aclj.org/ because they have chosen to stand up and fight back to reclaim what is being lost. We are losing our religious rights and freedoms to ungodly individuals that want to force their beliefs of immorality upon us. It isn’t good enough for them to be able to do what they want, but they want you to except what they do as being right and not what it truly is, an abomination to God.

What will you do when it comes your time to stand up for God’s Law like Kim Davis who refused to authorize same sex marriage licenses? Will you deny God and His son Jesus to spare yourself from persecution?

Psalms 119

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.[2] Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.[3] They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.[4] Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.[5] O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes![6] Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.[7] I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.[8] I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.[9] Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.[10] With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.[11] Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.[12] Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.[13] With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.[14] I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.[15] I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.[16] I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.[17] Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.[18] Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.[19] I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.[20] My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.[21] Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.[22] Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.[23] Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.[24] Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.[25] My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.[26] I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.[27] Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.[28] My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.[29] Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.[30] I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.[31] I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.[32] I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.[33] Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.[34] Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.[35] Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.[36] Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.[37] Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.[38] Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.[39] Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.[40] Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.[41] Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.[42] So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.[43] And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.[44] So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.[45] And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.[46] I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.[47] And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.[48] My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.[49] Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.[50] This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.[51] The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.[52] I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.[53] Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.[54] Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.[55] I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.[56] This I had, because I kept thy precepts.[57] Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.[58] I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.[59] I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.[60] I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.[61] The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.[62] At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.[63] I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.[64] The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.[65] Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.[66] Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.[68] Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.[69] The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.[70] Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.[71] It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.[72] The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.[73] Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.[74] They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.[75] I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.[76] Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.[77] Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.[78] Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.[79] Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.[80] Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.[81] My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.[82] Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?[83] For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.[84] How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?[85] The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.[86] All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.[87] They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.[88] Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.[89] For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.[90] Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.[91] They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.[92] Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.[93] I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.[94] I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.[95] The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.[96] I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.[97] O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.[98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.[99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.[100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.[101] I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.[102] I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.[103] How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth![104] Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.[105] Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.[106] I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.[107] I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.[108] Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.[109] My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.[110] The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.[111] Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.[112] I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.[113] I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.[114] Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.[115] Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.[116] Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.[117] Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.[118] Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.[119] Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.[120] My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.[121] I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.[122] Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.[123] Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.[124] Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.[125] I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.[126] It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.[127] Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.[128] Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.[129] Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.[130] The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.[131] I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.[132] Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.[133] Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.[134] Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.[135] Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.[136] Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.[137] Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.[138] Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.[139] My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.[140] Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.[141] I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.[142] Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.[143] Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.[144] The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.[145] I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.[146] I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.[147] I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.[148] Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.[149] Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.[150] They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.[151] Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.[152] Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.[153] Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.[154] Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.[155] Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.[156] Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.[157] Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.[158] I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.[159] Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.[160] Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.[161] Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.[162] I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.[163] I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.[164] Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.[165] Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.[166] LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.[167] My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.[168] I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.[169] Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.[170] Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.[171] My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.[172] My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.[173] Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.[174] I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.[175] Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.[176] I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.