Shall or May?

       In the line of duty, “shall” and “may” are important words to a police officer. Certain laws require an arrest or a ticket to be issued. These laws use the word “shall” to indicate the requirement. Other laws use the word “may.” These laws allow discretion on the part of the officer. When the officer “shall” there is no choice in the matter. “May” allows the officer to make a decision based on the circumstances in the case. For example, if I am caught speeding I “may” be given a ticket. But, if I attempt to flee from the police I “shall” be ticketed for speeding and evading and reckless driving, maybe even arrested.

Recently I was walking across a parking lot to my vehicle when I noticed a bumper snicker that read, “Obey The Ten Commandments!” I realize that our current culture is in dire need of moral direction and I also now that the Ten Commandments could provide some of that moral direction. However, I believe that such advice, if heeded, would not produce what the owner of the sticker desired. While the rules would be guides for moral direction, they could not force change upon us. In addition, many would rebel simply because of the almost programmed response to anything that smacks of religion.

We must understand that the moral direction of a person, and ultimately of a nation, can only be changed one heart at a time. While the principles set forth in the Ten Commandments are good, one must also realize they were for the nation of Israel and were not meant to save those people, but to guide them in godly living, and to ultimately guide them to Christ (Galatians 3:23-25). Besides, many of our current laws are already based on the principles in the Ten Commandments – Murder, theft, perjurer’s still stand condemned: even in secular law. Adultery was once illegal, and punishable by death.

One must understand that if we obey the Ten Commandments as secular law, we would have to observe Saturday as the day of worship and rest. Since the old covenant has passed away, those commandments are not binding upon us (Ephesians 2:14-16). The principles underlying the Ten Commandments, however, are brought forth in the new covenant and are written on the hearts of Christians (Hebrews 8:8-13). The Sabbath, for example, as such is not binding upon Christians, but the principle of worship is.

[Matthew 22:37-39] Rather than “obey” the Ten Commandments it would be far better for all to remember the two greatest commands and their principles for living today. When asked, “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus “cut to the chase” and provided the foundation for righteous living when he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” We cannot make all religious law secular law, but if these goals are in a person’s mind, love will be in the heart and can direct one’s life. Ideally, all would give their hearts and lives to Jesus and thus be saved (John 15:9-14; 1 Timothy 2:1-4), but to the extent that people would first think of God and others, everyone would be better off.

     God does not have a police force, but He does express his desires for mankind’s righteous living that will please him. Jesus stated that God desires to be worshipped and goes on to say that true worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). There is a difference between God’s desire and God’s demand. God desires for mankind to worship Him and He demands that those who enter into worship do so “in spirit and in truth.” Is your worship acceptable to God? Are you living the righteous life required for eternal life with God? No tickets “shall” be issued – but eternal punishment "may."