More Than Stone

There are both spoken and unspoken rules in Christianity. The laws that we often pick up via the culture of the church. Tithing is mandatory, and the tithe goes to the church. Strong and vocal women are not being “subject to their husbands.” Certain types of music are sinful. Tattoos are unbiblical. There is something slightly “unredeemable” about a girl that loses her purity. The list goes on. I’m sure that we could add dozens more.

I’m ashamed to say that for much of my adult life, I lived by many of these laws. Unfortunately, law does not truly impact personal thinking, except to control behavior. We act or don’t act based on external controls. Judgment or Reward. If I behave this way, there is a price to pay. If I behave in that way, I will get some type of reward, (usually praise, or a sense of virtue).

Every one of my children has lied to me. When they were young, the law was simple. “We do not tell fibs, young lady!” As my children grew in maturity, our interactions became more nuanced. “Sweetheart, when you lie to me, it breaks trust. Trust is essential in our relationship. I want you to trust me, and I need to trust you. Do you understand the damage that happens in our relationship when trust is broken?” The focus was not on the law, but on the fidelity of relationship. Certainly law is useful when awareness is limited. Over time and with maturity, “I am not allowed to hit” becomes “I will not resort to violence, because violence is damaging to relationship. I love this person and do not want to violate our relationship.”

I wonder why we so often never move beyond the 2, or 3, or 5 year old comprehension of God. “I’m not allowed to lie” doesn’t become “Lying damages relationship.” We often do not move beyond “legal” statements to relational fidelity. I am convinced that if we approached God with our eye on fidelity instead of law, we might just find that our laws become unnecessary. Fidelity to Him, fidelity to each other.

Derek Webb A New Law Lyrics
(vs. 1)
don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(vs. 2)
don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice

don’t teach me about loving my enemies

don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus/chorus)

(bridge)
what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid