The Perfect Law Of Liberty

It is important what we hear (Mk. 4:24), as well as how we hear (Lk. 8:18). We need to take heed to the results of hear­ing. Some hear only with the ear and not the heart. Others hear and learn, but do not apply. In James 1:21-25 the writer speaks of "the perfect law of liberty," and describes one who really hears that law. He is one who not only hears it, but ap­plies it in the life as well.

James likens the man who "looks into" this law and does not do it to one who peers into a mirror, goes away without doing anything about whatever deficien­cies the mirror may reveal to him. Or, the foolish man looks but does not do. One may be insensible to his spiritual flaws until he sees himself in "God's looking glass;" his law. An example would be Paul at one time in his life. There was a time when "I was alive without the law;" i.e. he took it that all was right with him, and thought himself clean compared to others. "But when the commandment came," or when the looking glass of God's law was set before him, "sin re­vived and I died." That is, he saw his spots and defects. He discovered things about himself he did not see before - then he did something about it! One only % ceives himself (Jas. 1:22) when he looks into the perfect law of liberty and does not do anything to align himself with that law. He is rationalizing and falsely argu­ing with himself. Now let us notice some things about this "perfect law of liberty."

First, it is a law! It is a legislative act of a king ( Rom. 8:2). It is composed of the revealed word of God (Gal. 1:11-12). It is a moral rule of though, action and con­duct from one in authority. That law is addressed to and binding upon all men (Tit. 2:11). It is for man's instruction and benefit (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). And like any valid law, it will bring reward for obedi­ence and punishment for disobedience (2 Thess. 1:6-10). Without this element it would not be a law, for law both defines and punishes sin.

Next, we notice that this law is perfect. The word is teleios, showing that its per­fection is toward a given end; purpose. It is a law of function with an aim behind it. When man obeys that law, he will fulfill the purpose for which God made him and will be what he ought to be. The law that governs his life will be perfect be­cause it came from a perfect lawgiver. It is a perfect rule of life and no man was ever made worse by obeying it. It is perfect as it relates to all situations and circumstances, and will affect in a positive way all who obey it - king or beggar; all civil, social and religious relationships will be enhanced by it. It is absolutely sufficient and needs no addition.

It is an emancipating law because it is a "law of liberty." It frees the mind of man from the of ignorance and error (John 8:32; cf. Psa. 119:45). It is a law of love and mercy, bringing man under God's forgiving grace. It is a law of holiness, freeing the soul from the dominion of sin (Psa. 19:7).

Now, what sort of man makes the right and proper use of this law? First, he gives regard to it, for he "looks into" it. "Looks" is from parakupto, meaning to stoop sideways (bend forward) to peer within a thing. More than just a casual glance is involved!

Such a man then retains what he hears, for he is "not a forgetful hearer." Why do some forget? They may not be suffi­cient1y interested. It may be that they do not work at remembering. It may be that they have not learned to discern. But there is a cure for all of these, and one makes preparation for the proper hearing of the law by preparing the heart by prayer (Psa. 10:17). They can learn to be alert; determined to hear. It is a good idea to deliberately be silent after hearing; avoid speaking for a time - one may agree with it then! This says the law needs to be reflected upon.

The proper hearer of this law exemplifies the word in life and conduct, for he is a "doer (poietes, a performer) of the work." Or, he conforms to the law and obeys it. The more he hears, the more he learns - and the more he learns, the more he will want to hear.

Such a man possesses a happy character, for he is "blessed" (makarios) in his deeds (cf. the Beatitudes). He enjoys God's blessings and favor. His soul de­lights in the word, and it is the joy of his heart (Psa. 19:11).

Now we ask, "why not try the things we have talked about here?" They can do nothing but improve your life, making it happier and better here and preparing you for heaven after awhile. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

"You can count on him!" Have you ever heard it? We all have. Such a one is gen­erally thought of as being steady and % pendable; he is reliable. But it occurs to me that there are others than can also be counted on.

How about in the area of church atten­dance? We don't have much of a problem here at Taylors in getting folks to attend, and that is to their credit. But there are some that can be counted on not to be as faithful as they ought to be. If it be the regular services or a gospel meeting, you can count on them not to be there be­cause something else came first with them! Can you be counted on to be lax or faithful in this area?

Then there are others that generally show up at services, and they too may be counted on - to be late. I wonder if such folks know how a service or a Bible class opens? I wonder if they ever stop and think how distracting this can be to the teachers as well as others in the class? Can you be counted on to be late?

Then there are others that can be counted on - to blame others for their own short­comings. "It's not my fault; so and so said such and such about me, and if he had not done that, then I would not have done what I did." Some want to blame others for their own guilt and such folks are not new among us!

When it comes to taking an active part in the Lord's work in general, you can al­ways count on some to be totally disin­terested. It is of little concern to them that someone visited the services and yet that visitor is completely ignored by some. You can always count on some people to do this!

Then some can always be counted on to withhold from God his rightful share of their income. Never mind that eve­rybody else sacrifices; gives unsel­fishly so that the work of the Lord may be carried on. But you can also usually count on these in another area - they often are the ones who have all the "toys" life has to offer - at the expense of the Lord.

But lest we appear to be too critical, there are also others you can count on. We can be thankful that in spite of all the negative examples, some may be counted on to involve themselves in every aspect of the Lord's work in a diligent and steadfast manner. There are the "Pauls" who are willing to "spend and be spent;" who unselfishly give of themselves to further Christian­ity. We are thankful for the "Epaphro­ditus'" who though "sick nigh unto " will continue in the work. There are the "Timothys" who are willing to "preach the word" both "in and out of season." May their number increase!

Let us each take stock of our own lives. Can we be counted on? If so, in what way? In a negative way or a positive one? Reliability is a trait of a devoted and dedicated child of God. Bill Moseley

 

 

 

No prettier place on earth to an avid golfer like yours truly than a dark, table­ top smooth green on a beautiful golf course! That is, until some young folks in the neighborhood of our local golf course decided to use our greens to ride their four-wheelers and various other modes of transportation on! Makes you sick to look at it. Couldn't catch the lit­tle varmints, but they had a big old time on those nice smooth tracks for awhile, doing a good bit of damage in the proc­ess.

Then it happened - another "dumb crook" story. One night one of them dropped his (her) wallet, which said, "I did it; come and get me!" Which was promptly what happened. Wouldn't you think a 14 year old and three 16 year olds would have something better to do? The course manager gave them a choice - a cool $1,000.00 each or arrest (that probably made Dad real happy unless he makes them pay for it)!

Well, when all is said and done, that won't amount to much in this life. The greens will heal, and hopefully some young folks learn a lesson. All of which reminds me - what makes us think we can desecrate the holy things of God and get by with it? And you know what? You won't even have to drop your wal­let for God to know you are guilty! All the "fun" in this life will amount to nothing. But doing right and respecting God and other men will amount to a whole lot! - Bill Moseley