Deuteronomy 4:2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

This expresses the foundation of “Old Testament righteousness,” that is, keeping the Law. However, people quickly proved themselves adept at violating both sides of what is expressed in the first half of this verse. First off, they added to it in amazing detail, creating the Talmud and the Midrash, books of equal or greater volume to the Torah (the five books of Moses). Then they subtracted from it, not by deleting words but by making excuses for ignoring it, as Jesus pointed out in Mark 7:8-13. Lest we look down our noses at the ancient Israelites, we do much the same. Even accounting for how Christ “redeemed us from the curse of the law,” (Galatians 3:13) modern churches and Christians have done a lot of twisting, adding, and ignoring. For example, the average American thinks “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible, when it isn’t. We are called to be good stewards of what God makes available to us, but as it stands, that proverb (not Proverb) is a violation of the principle of grace. What complicates things further is that there are indeed cultural factors in the Bible that are misunderstood in the very different culture of today. Attitudes toward women are a prime example here. The point is, there must be a foundational commitment to obedience to the God of the Bible, along with a grasp of His grace and love, if we are to walk in the righteousness that He desires of us.

Well, I’ve written a mouthful! As I am frequently reminded, I was raised in an environment steeped in Scripture to a degree experienced by few, but that doesn’t mean I’ve followed it perfectly by any means. I need to remember the principle I just stated, of commitment to obe­dience to God, with a grasp of His grace and love. As a pastor, I am constantly dealing with issues of behavior and attitude in those around me. I am not to be legalistic, but neither am I to be dismissive of Biblical standards. That can be a difficult balance! As always, I need the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. There are those who literally ask me for rules to follow, and there are those who bristle at the idea of rules, but God loves them all and desires the best for them, and I am to be His agent. I am not to draw back from strong words if God directs them, but I must be very careful that all the truth that comes from my mouth is spoken in love.

Father, You know the issues, and the people, I’m dealing with right now. I ask for Your grace and guidance, too, that their interaction with me would draw them to You, and not drive them away. May we in this church indeed be a people of Your Word, in prayer and praise, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!