Title

When Unrestrained

Scripture
Now . . . Moses saw that the people were unrestrained.
(Exodus 32:25)
Devotional
Just as every game necessitates a set of rules, life requires restraints. Without laws, life quickly deteriorates into anarchy. Whether in civil government, business, or the home, if there are no restraints there will be lawlessness and rebellion.

For the most part, man has proven to be incompetent in developing proper restraints without the moral laws of God, which are found in His Word, the Bible. Again, whether in civil government, business, or the home, we will resolve into lasciviousness and turmoil without restraints. In man’s attempt to eradicate God’s Ten Commandments, man has imposed literally countless laws. However, man’s laws are based on emotional reaction, while God’s laws are founded on His love for His creation. Man’s laws seek judgment or revenge; God’s laws are based on justice and mercy.

Therefore, make sure that the moral laws of God are established in your community, business and home. Live by them. Teach them. Model and prosper by them. Remember the consequences paid by the nation of Israel when left unrestrained.
Text For The Day
Exodus 32:25: Now…Moses saw that the people were unrestrained.
 
Thought For The Day

“Let’s face it, we are not a happier society as a result of the liberalization of the seventies. We have record rates of divorce, record rates of suicide, record rates of teenage pregnancy, record rates of youth crime, record rates of underage sex. We should invite people to recognize that the Great Experiment has failed. You cannot have happiness without restraint.” Anne Widdecombe, Shadow Home Secretary in the British House of Commons

Questions To Ponder
 
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  Unrestrained in our text indicates that the people were not following God’s designated authority (Aaron). To be unrestrained is not just the absence of laws but also the absence of authority. Here it was both a lack of leadership (Aaron) and a lack of obedience by the people.
 
Referencing: “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law,” Proverbs 29:18.
 
Applying: There are to be absolutes in your life, follow them, if not, cautiously set them. The Decalogue (Exodus 20:1-17) are some that you can set in stone.