It’s ironic how the government has passed an act called the “Reduction in Paperwork Act” and yet allows duplication at most federal and state levels.  What am I talking about you may ask.  I refer the statutes and laws that are on the books for the expressed purpose of controlling the behavior of the citizens of our great nation.  I believe God is grieved over the fact that His word was not enough for us.  I understand and realize that many do not know God, do not know of His desires and definitely do not know how He has specified the way we are to live our lives.  It is for this very reason we have had to create legislation to direct our lifestyles.  But where do we draw guidance for the standards of right and wrong?  How do we determine the morality by which we live? 

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the phrase “You cannot legislate morality,” and have accepted this idea without giving it much thought.  But now I realize this is not true because we have been trying to do just this in all the laws we have passed.  We cannot claim originality on any of these laws.  God originated “You shall not kill; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness (perjury); You shall not kidnap; You shall love your neighbor as yourself (civil matters).” 

We have used some of God’s laws as our own and yet cast off those we find inconvenient or what we have determined to be cultural or “old fashioned”.  Even today, the military has a regulation that covers the offense of adultery, which is one of God’s prohibitions, yet in the “civilian” sector it is considered a private matter.  Friends, not only can morality be legislated, but it already has been.  Man’s choice in neglecting enforcement is simply another example of his rebellion against God and His will.  Let us not fall in with those who choose their own morality over God’s…

Copyright © 2004, Nolan P. Rutter