Divine Definitions: (1) The giver of the innate ability to know fact from fiction and right from wrong; (2) The giver of the divine command: “Be you perfect” from which all other law is derived; indisputable fixed clarity; (3) The instigator of the principles of the actions of nature; (4) In harmony with foreknowledge and wisdom; dutiful; (5) Efficient; exact; (6) dharma <the eternal and inherent nature of reality, cosmic law>
Comments:
• Since God’s actions are so well considered, they are often the same from one circumstance to the next. Thus, His actions have been codified into the immutable laws of nature, physics, and all other branches of reality. But, since God is first a loving Person, consistency does not imply reality has a slavish hold on Him, but rather a continual reaffirmation of His all-wise overcare. All of His actions show His volitional free will.
• Law is the foundation of the mercy ladder. Without law there would be no balanced justice; without justice, no insightful fairness; without fairness, no trusting patience; without patience, no unselfish kindness; without kindness, no genuine mercy; and mercy points to its source and destiny: abiding love.
LAW-ABIDING
Human Definitions: (1) foreknowledge of, and in harmony with, obeying the law; respectful of the law; dutiful; (2) the ability to know fact from fiction and right from wrong
Quotes:
• Only outer peace can be had through law. The way to inner peace is through love. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Mere obedience to the law does not measure the greatness of a nation. … The true test is the extent to which the individuals composing the nation can be trusted to obey self-imposed law. — Lord John Fletcher Moulton (1844-1921) English barrister and judge
• The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they never can make him wise, virtuous, or happy. — John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) 6thPresident of the United States
• Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things which are God’s. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Mark 12:17
Comment: Laws, rules, and regulations have been made to state the obvious, like the protection of the innocent, and also because some will take unfair advantage when the opportunity is available. When that happens, society makes a law.
On the other hand, straying from the (unfair) law may be necessity, thus civil disobedience.
Questions: What should be allowed? How much freedom should be given? Is it the level the individual can cope with or the level the society can deal with? How can we be sure something like nuclear material or the idea of freedom can be handled safely and responsibly? – only time, trust, and common sense are safeguards.
Note: We can learn from history and hope for positive possibilities.