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Feb 28, 2025 06:00am

Rule-Breaker

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I opened up the email and immediately knew someone was in trouble. It was sent to a group of us recruiters who hosted information tables at college fairs. We talked with potential students at these events and handed out information and resources. But this email wasn’t congratulating anyone, it was a reprimand.

“This is a reminder of our agreement to abide by this committee’s Statement of Good Practices. Please review and be reminded of what is allowed and not allowed to be handed out to students.”

Ope! Someone is in trouble!

In bold letters and italicized for additional effect, they made sure to point out the part that read, “Only pens, pencils or plastic bags can be given to students. No additional promotional items such as water bottles, frisbees, or LANYARDS are allowed.”

My mouth dropped open. There it was. In all caps. I knew exactly who was the culprit.

Me.

I was the one they were talking about. I was the guilty one. I didn’t know about this “Statement of Good Practices” when I joined this group. I didn’t know the rules. If they hadn’t sent this, I would have never known that it was wrong for me to give out those lanyards.

I was embarrassed, felt guilty, and knew I needed to apologize. I emailed the committee chair, confessed my wrongdoing, and apologized for not asking about the rules. They explained why it was wrong, giving me an unfair advantage over another college. And then there was forgiveness. They didn’t kick me out of the group or ban me from the events; they just said, now you know, and we hope you’ll follow the rules from here on out.

Absolutely.

Romans 7:7-12
“Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” 8 But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. 9 At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, 10 and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. 11 Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. 12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.”

The law was given for a reason. We wouldn’t know it was wrong or sinful if the rules weren’t there. The law makes us aware of our sin and guilt before a Holy God. When we see our sin for what it is, our guilt leads us to confess, seek forgiveness, and regain fellowship with the Father.

Have you had a moment like that? You didn’t realize what you were doing was wrong, but something you read or a message you listened to pointed it out in scripture. And now you know. The question is, what will you do about it?

Will you continue down that same path now that you know the truth? Or will you humble yourself before God and ask for His forgiveness?

1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

The law not only brings awareness of our sin but also shows us how much we need Jesus and His offer of salvation. Have you accepted His offer? Maybe you’d like to learn more about Jesus and what life looks like devoted to Him. Go to follow.lifeword.org. Let me show you!