Why do we have laws? Some think it is to rein in our baser tendencies. That is, to prevent us from doing harm to others. Laws can also be seen as a way to protect our freedom. Laws mean I can do whatever I want to as long as that does not get in the way of you doing whatever you want to. Laws help to keep our behavior within respectful boundaries. They help to keep society civil and organized. At least, that is a hope. But for all that, I still have an underlying sense that laws are to prevent us from being “bad.”
When our oldest son was in first grade, he had a teacher named Sunny Doxie, and she was true to her name. A very bright person, energetic, energizing, and cheery. At the beginning of the school year as the class discussed the rules, evidently Ms Doxie told the children that they had rules because rules were so that “everyone can have a good time.” Sunny Doxie made the concept of rules something positive. She really convinced the kids that having rules was a great idea and that following the rules would make the year wonderful for everyone. That was probably easier to do over 20 years ago than it is today, but our family has never forgotten her wisdom and we often refer to it.
Ultimately, I think Sunny Doxie is right. Rules are so everyone can have a good time. Or, at least, that’s what they should be. And I think that is what we see in Psalm 19. We see reference to God’s rules, God’s law applying to all of creation and put in place so that everyone can have a good time. That is, so that life can flourish for all people and all species and for the very Earth itself.
The precepts of God help us to make good choices for the human community and thus for ourselves as part of that community. The ordinances of God are lights guiding our way. They illuminate danger. The rules of God are positive leading to a good life, a rewarding life, a purposeful life, a creative life.
The decrees of God are not intended to be punitive. They are not meant as punishment. They are not intended to be chains that keep us bound. In fact, the opposite is true. The precepts of God are designed to be freeing. They encourage our best impulses: our loving, generous, compassionate, merciful nature. They free us from negative tendencies like greed, selfishness, violence, and pride. God’s law is not just intended so that I can have a good time, but so that everyone can have a good time. They are intended to support flourishing life in all cultures, all religions, all eras, and all contexts. The fact that some people in the world choose to follow the guidelines of God as we see them in the life of Jesus should be a blessing to the whole world. It should make the world a better place for everybody. It should lift up the lives of everyone. We follow God’s way because we want everyone to have a good time.
Prayer
May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the guidance of God. May we be especially grateful that we have been given the example of Jesus to show us God’s way. May we let the rule of God free us so that we can truly be our best selves and so that we can make this world a place where everyone can flourish and find joy in life. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 