Articles
God's Way
As a band director preparing for annual band contests, I constantly referred to a set of
rules pre-determined for band contests, so as not to be disqualified because of not abiding with
the given rules. It didn’t matter if I agreed with the rules and it didn’t matter if I thought other
bands ignored the rules. For my band to compete, we had to abide by those rules.
At the beginning of most college classes (if not all), students receive a syllabus outlining
the course of study and expectations for the class, according to the teacher. The outline of the
class would also include test dates and a list of any written papers required for the class. It
doesn’t matter if a student disagrees with the syllabus, or would prefer to obtain a grade using a
different method. At the end of the course study, for a student to receive an acceptable grade,
they must have done so according to the syllabus.
Likewise, we have been given a handbook on life, the Bible, God’s written word. This
handbook outlines a course of life and expectations for each individual as they walk the path that
leads to eternal life. To “enter into the joy of the master [God]” (Matthew 25:21, 23), we must
live according to God’s handbook. It won’t matter if I decide I don’t like everything that His
handbook says for me to do and it won’t matter if others choose to do differently than what He
has instructed. The bottom line is that on judgment day, I will be judged according to His Word.
You see, we seem to have no problem recognizing the “requirement” to abide by band
contest rules so as not to be “disqualified”. We seem to have no problem understanding
“requirements” set down in a syllabus, which ultimately determines our final grade. But, when
we consider God’s handbook, we seem to think that we can adjust His ways to fit our ways.
Sadly, many will realize too late, that God’s word [handbook] will judge us on judgment day
(John 12:48), and His word cannot be changed.
I have always been amazed to what extent individuals will go to skirt the rules of band
contests or guidelines of a syllabus. Always looking for a shortcut or loophole! Why not just
work a little harder at following the rules that have been set down for the benefit of all!?
I would say the same for us as God’s children, why not just follow what the Lord has
given to us for our own good, instead of trying to justify everything we do? “My thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). P. Mowrer
