Sin shall no longer be your master, because you are no longer under law, but under the grace of God. Rom.6:14, N.E.B.

Life is forever confronting us with difficult, unexpected situations. Men argue that we must make moral adjustments because of' the type of world we live in. "The moral law does not count in this case. We lie to save someone's life. We act from good intent. The choice is a matter of the lesser of two evils." But does this suffice us? Do the "lesser" sins we settle for give us any rest or satisfaction?

The upshot of the matter is the same as if our choices were intentionally on the wrong side. If we get lost out in the desert or in the jungle the result is the same for an innocent sheep as for a willful man. We all pay for our mistakes. Of course, God considers our motives and our situations. He will judge, acquit, or condemn accordingly.

But Jesus said, "One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:18). We have to believe that back of that requirement God has provided the power to make it so in our lives. If our human weakness and sinfulness arise to undermine confidence in the law of God, ultimately there will not be much left of it. Men will not stick to the Ten Commandments on such terms. Jesus would have nothing to do with the idea that breaking the law in this or that particular case did not count.

Self-deceiving as we are, stained and fettered with self and sin, we ought to understand what the Bible says about knowing and loving God and keeping His commandments. Such loving obedience is not performed with the listless necessity of slaves, but with the joy of sons of God. If we really believe in Christ's power to save from sin, in faith that works by love; if we have entered into life with Christ, then we will keep His commandments. The love that binds us to keep His commandments is meant to hold life, home, and character together. In Christ we gird ourselves for moral victory, not moral defeat.

Are we pure in our lives? Are we kind, fair, and honest in our words and actions? Are we obedient to our heavenly Father? If not, what else can avail us at last? What is the worth of the everlasting gospel that is to save us from sin?