One of the more common themes that I encounter about faith and the Church as a Priest is the question of why there are so many rules. Usually coming in the form of something like, “I believe in Jesus, so I’m saved. Why should I have to follow X [meaning whatever it is the person disagrees with], especially when everyone else is doing it?

So, let’s examine this from a different point of view. I’m sure that most of us reading this are drivers (or have been) of a vehicle. We know that in order to get a license, we need to know the rules of the road, and be tested on them, before we even get to drive solo. Most of us, when we first started driving, were paranoid of violating any of those. However, soon it becomes apparent that most people violate one in particular- speed limits.

When we drive the speed limit, sometimes we feel like we are pedestrians in a NASCAR race! So, in order to fit in with other drivers on the road, we violate the law. First perhaps by 1 or 2 MPH… then 3 or 4… and so forth. Then, it can easily become a habit. We easily convince ourselves that “It’s not so bad,” and “Everyone else is doing it,” and my personal go-to, “I’m not going as fast as THAT guy!”

The more we do it, especially without consequences, the more of a habit it becomes. Until that day when consequence hits. Either literally, as in an accident, or figuratively, when the red and blue lights with a siren call us out. Either way, consequences ensue. With either vehicle damage that we (or our insurance) have to pay for (both for our own vehicle and the one damaged), or a fine or court date. Not to mention the increase in insurance rates!

After this, we probably regret violating that law. For a while, we may be back to following it, but as we get further and further away from the consequences, we may fall back into the old habit… until consequences hit again. Enough times, and we will most likely change our behavior permanently. This is the purpose of laws. To not only keep us safe, but to ensure that the consequences for violating them will keep us following them, thus averting a greater problem (i.e. a crash that causes injury or death.)

God knows us so well (well, He made us, didn’t He?) that He knows that we NEED laws to keep us safe from our own damaging instincts. When we violate them (sin) we should feel the consequence of disappointment and guilt and go back to Him to seek His forgiveness with the intention not to break it again. If we do, repeat the process until we make a permanent change.

We also need to rid ourselves of the excuses we make to justify our violations, or sins. Saying things like, “Everyone is doing it,” or “It’s legal in this [Country, City, State, etc…] isn’t it?,” or “At least I’m not hurting anyone” is not helpful if we are going to be the best versions of ourselves that God created us to be. Jesus was counter-cultural, not because He merely went against the authorities, but because He continued to do what was objectively right, even though He broke the man-made law that was in conflict with God’s Law.

To truly follow Christ, what He taught, and becoming the best version of us means to follow God and His Son Jesus Christ even when it is in conflict with those in authority. The Martyrs did it, and so should we! Just look at the stories of St. Stephen in Acts of the Apostles, or St. Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII!

The rules/laws of God and His Church are not to quash our fun, individuality, creativity, or whatever, but to help form us into the BEST versions of ourselves that God created us to be, and to help lead us to an eternity in heaven.

Unfortunately, sometimes our religious leaders can lead us astray, or do poorly at their mission, and from that we may feel betrayed. However, if we keep to what has always and everywhere been taught as Christian, handed down from Christ, to His Apostles, through those who teach what has always and everywhere been taught as Christian today, then we can be assured that we have an unmoving guidepost from which to anchor our lives.

Sure, we may not need the Church to get ourselves to heaven, but to quote Thelma Harper from the old TV Show Mama’s Family, “You don’t need a parachute to jump out of a plane, but it sure helps!”

So, in this Holy Season that many of us celebrate called Lent, or in your preparation for the Celebration of the Resurrection of Christ on Easter, let’s all take stock of ourselves… where we are violating God’s laws… and before any consequences hit us, let’s let go of our excuses, go back to God, confess to Him our sins, make the effort at a permanent change for the better, and be prepared to welcome the Resurrected Christ on April 20!

Rev. John A. Cramer
Pastor, Holy Trinity NCC Kewanee, Ill.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Kewanee Voice.