Webster defines lawlessness as: "not regulated by or based on law; not regulated or controlled by law; unruly." Our nation today is un-rule-ly: often lawless. I suppose to say lawlessness rules would be considered an oxymoron, but mainly, it would simply not be true, as well. Almost all, if not all, humans follow a set of rules; perhaps, not too well, but follow nonetheless. However, it's not the following that matters; it's the rules (laws) themselves that
really matter. God's gift of free will allows us to pick and choose which rules we will follow, even though He recommends His own, best viewed through the filter of His love.
Some rules are basically, at least usually, of little importance, such as the 45 mph speed limit, as opposed to a 40 mph speed limit. Others, such as restrictions on killing people, are almost always gravely significant. Whose law do we follow? Which law(s)? And why? Is our choice solely dependent upon the teaching of our parents and culture? Then, parenthood becomes terribly important; has the weakness of the family unit in this century led to a more lawless society? I do know that when the rules are anemic and disrespected and strong, righteous sheriffs are few, the outlaws reign.
Biblically, the "man of lawlessness" is often interpreted to be the Antichrist. I don't get much into such speculation, but I do wonder what our world would be if no one followed any rules other than their own passions. Maybe, that's what most people are doing now---or, for that matter, maybe it's always been that way. I don't know. I visualize this large 3-D map which is morality realized, and everyone stands somewhere on that map. I evaluate people by where they seem to me to be standing on that map; then, decide various things about them. Call it "judging" if you will, but I will do it, and I will judge you by where I believe you stand. I'll do my best to love you wherever you are, but I definitely will rate you.
So . . . I rambled all this time and really established very little. I simply marvel at my God and wonder in awe that he would allow such weak creatures as we humans to make our own choices---when it's obvious, I believe, that we will so often make poor choices! We ordained a new deacon at our church today, and my prayer for him was that he would learn patience. God's patience is a quality that I believe I will study more closely.
Biblically, the "man of lawlessness" is often interpreted to be the Antichrist. I don't get much into such speculation, but I do wonder what our world would be if no one followed any rules other than their own passions. Maybe, that's what most people are doing now---or, for that matter, maybe it's always been that way. I don't know. I visualize this large 3-D map which is morality realized, and everyone stands somewhere on that map. I evaluate people by where they seem to me to be standing on that map; then, decide various things about them. Call it "judging" if you will, but I will do it, and I will judge you by where I believe you stand. I'll do my best to love you wherever you are, but I definitely will rate you.
So . . . I rambled all this time and really established very little. I simply marvel at my God and wonder in awe that he would allow such weak creatures as we humans to make our own choices---when it's obvious, I believe, that we will so often make poor choices! We ordained a new deacon at our church today, and my prayer for him was that he would learn patience. God's patience is a quality that I believe I will study more closely.
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