So, we are supposed to obey those in authority over us, right? I try my best to follow the laws. But is it an actual sin to break the law? What about the law that says we have to wear seat belts? Is it a sin to not buckle up? Maybe the sin is in disobeying the authority over us? Of course, history has proven that there are times when obeying the authority is the greater sin. God's law always comes first.
What about rules? Is it a sin to disobey rules? Do the movie theater people have authority over me? Am I obligated to obey their rules? If I sneak a candy bar into the movie, am I sinning? Maybe it is unethical. But is it ethical for the company to put such a rule in place for the sake of their own greedy gain?
Is every unethical action also sinful? Can a person be unethical without sin?
Just wondering. What do you think?
I've tied myself up in legalistic knots over this before. Good questions. Gives me a headache to sort it all out!
ReplyDeleteMark says, "What would Jesus do?" He thinks he so smart. I think Jesus would carry in His own Snickers bar, but carrying His own popcorn would be sin.
ReplyDeleteOkey. So now I'M being a smartee. I think Jesus would respect the rules of the movie theater until a larger rule/morality came into play. I think he would say, "what skin is it off of my nose if I can show respect to the theater owner and be an example for God?"
Just sayin'.
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Good questions. I think immediately about Romans 14. It's a very good read and I think immediately applicable to the questions you are asking. Paul sums it up this way (verse 22 and following):
ReplyDelete"So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he (goes ahead and does it), because his (actions are) not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."
I am ROTFL with Denise's comment, yet I agree. The Holy
ReplyDeleteSpirit will convict each person differently.
I'm with Linda. These feel like legalistic knots that make my head and heart hurt.
ReplyDeleteWe buy our popcorn, treats and soda at the theater. Mainly because our theater has REAL butter!
When man's laws go against what the Bible says, we are obligated to obey the Bible. Just because Hitler made some new laws, does that mean everyone obeyed them? Definitely not. BUT we do have to consider our testimony. My question has always been....is there a pastor in this world who does NOT drive over the speed limit? :)
ReplyDeleteYou all had some good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI tend to follow the rules. But I have no idea if I am spiritually obligated to.
A friend of mine once said I was a rule follower unless there was a good reason not to be.
I think that's true.
Although... I will go out the entrance and in the exit doors sometimes.
But I always count my items before going through the express checkout.
I always wonder who will arrest me if I go through the wrong door.....
ReplyDeleteFor some reason this post made me laugh so hard! It is something we all think about and ask ourselves!
ReplyDeletequite interesting article. I would love to follow you on twitter.
ReplyDelete