earth last, not the smallest letter or dot in the law will change, until all is fulfilled.
So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments, and teaches others
to do the same, will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys
them, and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the kingdom of heaven.
Reflect
When I was a child, I had the unfortunate habit of changing the rules to games to ensure that
I would win. If I started losing, I would invent a new rule to get me back in the lead. As you might
imagine, most other kids didn’t want to play with me. Though I grew out of this bad habit, not
everyone does. Some people act as if the rules don’t apply to them, or they manipulate the rules
to their own benefit. We see this in political and business leaders who enrich themselves by
taking advantage of their positions, and in people who justify their bad actions, from cheating on
a spouse to demanding that they be served first, by behaving as if the rule doesn’t apply to them.
The readings today make it clear that God has written his law on our hearts. God’s law applies
to each of us – rich or poor, young or old, powerful or humble. We need
to obey God’s laws. These laws are not meant to restrict us or keep us from our fun,
but to help us live in justice, charity, and integrity so that we may give glory to God.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023