I love God’s law with all my heart. [Romans 7:22 (NLT)]

“To protect and to serve” – the motto of the Los Angeles Police Department.

In an attempt to enforce seat belt and cell phone laws, the San Bernardino police department recently set up a “sting.” Four officers, looking a little like panhandlers, stood on the side of the highway holding handwritten cardboard signs saying, “I am not homeless. SB Police. Looking for seat belt /cell phone violations.” In spite of the clear warnings, drivers ignored their signs and over fifty tickets were written: thirty-three for cell phone violations, fifteen for seat belt infractions, and five for driving either without or on suspended licenses.

Some people would view this operation as an illustration of how the law is our adversary and simply out to get us. For them, slow speed zones, no parking signs and red light cameras are simply ways for the law to ensnare and trap people in legalities and make their lives miserable. Others might view this operation as just another way the government tries to control our lives and rob us of our individual freedoms, the same way it does with bans on assault weapons or by requiring a photo ID and the removal of shoes when going through airport security. There is, however, another way of looking at the law: neither enemy nor dictator, the law acts as our servant and protector. A sting of this sort not only serves to remind us of the law but also protects us from distracted and unlicensed drivers. It even protects those drivers from their own stupidity when they text while driving or don’t wear seat belts.

How do we view God’s law? Is it our enemy, eager to expose our every error and intent on condemnation rather than salvation? Is it a controlling master, always finding ways to restrict our freedom, limit our choices and hamper our fun? Or, does God’s law serve and protect us by setting a standard for our behavior? As for me, God’s law isn’t a long list of “don’ts” that condemn my actions or keep me from enjoying life. God’s law is a long list of “hows” that show me the way to live and enjoy eternal life.

For law and grace are not enemies, for law sets the standard and grace enables us to meet it. [Warren Wiersbe]

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. [Titus 2:12-13 (NLT)]