Lawyers and accountants are paid handsomely for finding loopholes that allow their clients to evade the intent of statutes, contracts, or obligations. "Finding a loophole" means to exploit imperfections in language such as ambiguities or omissions to justify unexpected and undesired behavior. Like little Jenna in todays lesson, we all have tried at at one time or another to use a loophole to “wriggle off the hook” and have our own way.
To a heart operating out of human goodness, even the Word of God can appear ambiguous and incomplete and thus be used to justify one’s own ends. But it is not scripture that is unclear and incomplete, it is the man who has yet to pursue his potential in Christ. Through Jesus Christ, a heart comes to operate out of God’s goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit a man gains understanding of and obedience to the will of God.
In Christ, there is no ambiguity, no omission, no confusion…God has closed the loop.
As I look back over my own walk with the Lord I realize that there have been many instances where I have tried to find a loophole. It normally comes in the form of comparing myself to others. "God, I know your Word has illuminated an area in my life that needs to change...but I'm doing a lot better than that guy over there."
ReplyDeleteBe careful about that! I'm reminded of a phase we used to say to our kids when they were little: "It's not fair to compare." The Bible instructs us to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling."
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." 1 Cor 13:11
ReplyDeleteWhen we grow tired of ourselves and our selfishness, we have begun the maturing process and we can put away childish things and walk in the mannner Jesus walked with the Father. As we He intended, in submission to His authority.
Loopholes are pathways to our own selfishness. I am guilty still of using them. I continue to pray for spiritual maturity to completely release my desire for self and give all of me to Him!
Blessings,
John