Three constraints govern our lives.  We live in a world incessantly seeking absolute freedom from limitations, but limitations remain and will always be parts of our existence.

No one espouses any freedom that does not necessitate a counterbalance.  Each adjudication is a limitation on liberty and every statute a legislation of morality.  This point is universally accepted but ignorance is feigned whenever the wall of containment is seen as too confining.

In truth there is no such thing as absolute freedom, and it is precisely the guidelines that give meaning to the game.  We find ourselves subject to varieties of governance.

We are all subject to rules.  These stipulations address different areas of our lives in specific ways.  For instance, certain rules address behavior in the workplace but are not applicable in other areas of life.  You don’t adhere to the office dress code when working in the backyard.  In general, these guidelines are set to facilitate particular endeavors and failure to adhere brings consequences within applicable realms.  A person could be fired for behaviors that are not criminal.  Violations of military protocols may carry stiff penalties only for those so employed.  Rules are applicable within bounds.

All people are subject to laws.  As with rules, these guidelines may differ in application, but they carry elements of retribution enforceable in greater and more expansive ways.  Rule-breaking can incur legal penalties but is not necessarily criminal.  Law-breaking is an affront to society- a criminal act.  This is not to say that all laws are ethical or right, but to disregard a law is more serious than to set aside a rule though both set parameters for compliance.  The Bible tells us that, in general, laws (rulers) are a terror to evil deeds and a confirmation of good.  Civil and criminal regulations undergo change from time to time, and they are not the highest regard.

Reality is just the way things are.  Rules are applicable in certain spheres.  They may or may not conform to the universal standard.  Law has its place but is not necessarily the final word on right and wrong.  Reality is beyond human contrivance and brooks no denial.  We may flaunt rules and break laws, but reality has the final say on all issues.

Realism is cruel and no respecter of persons.  We strive in vain to redress our wrongs when confronted with the cold rewards of our deeds.  In the end, reality is more in line with divine retribution than either laws or rules.  At the same time, current reality is influenced by the fall of man and each person’s individual sinfulness.  As with all things bound to the temporal plane, it is not satisfactorily reflective of justice.           

It is beyond the wisdom of man to develop an incontrovertible standard for compliance.  Yet, it is in the plan of God (for the most part) to allow the world to function under human directives until the end.

Deviance from the revealed will of God through His Word has created all manner of confusion in the present age.  In truth, reality itself is influenced by this rebellion.  When people regard the wisdom of God as superior to their own inclinations, society functions more correctly.  As with all things touched by sin, it does not attain bliss even then.

Only in eternity, in the reality of the final state, will truth be clearly seen.  At that time, all human imaginings will be understood and the law of God win.

Sterl