Looking For Loopholes

For centuries people have looked for loopholes – a loophole is way we try to gain an advantage even though we avoid doing what is actually required.  We look for shortcuts, ways of going around requirements, of finding faster and more convenient ways to achieve what we want.

People look for loopholes in the tax code in order to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.  Others look for loopholes in the law so they can commit crimes and never have to pay for them. 

We all deal with this sort of thing – spiritual loopholes - when we try to compromise God’s word for whatever attitude or behaviour we want to hang onto. 

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8

Our society has taken looking for loopholes around God’s law to a level we’ve not seen before in our time.  God invites us to live the good life by doing something quite different. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

Loving God, we are grateful that you show us how life works.  We don’t need to waste our time looking for loopholes. We’re so grateful that You continue to be willing to teach us what is right and to empower us to actually live into that. 

So give us grace and strong backbone to stand for what is true no matter how much the tide turns in our society.  Work in us so we leave looking for loopholes behind and follow You with all our hearts. Amen

I think one of the best ways to identify loopholes we are acting on is to pray this simple prayer and then listen to what God shows us.  Let’s do that now.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23-24