John 8:31-32 –
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
• DAILY READING – John 11:28-57; 2 Chronicles 12-13; Psalm 76
Most tourists know they have to be sensitive to local customs when travelling. Strange laws and local customs in other countries can catch holidaymakers off guard. If you fall foul of these laws you could end up behind bars. Therefore when travelling to other countries, it’s definitely worth knowing the laws of that country so as not to get yourself arrested.
For instance in Italy, it is an offense to sit on steps and courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of churches and public buildings in Florence. The penalty is usually a huge fine.
One simple concept that law students learn in their very first weeks of criminal law class, is that ignorance of the law is no excuse. This principle means that when an individual violates the law, it doesn’t matter whether or not they knew what the law said. If they are found to have committed the elements of that offense, they are guilty.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. That’s the standard line motorists hear when they say they weren’t aware of the speed limit, or gun owners hear when they say didn’t know about the gun laws in their jurisdiction. Ignorance of the law has put so many people in jail today and they are suffering wrongfully for not being aware of what they are supposed to have known, .
The same holds true when it comes to spiritual things. Many of us are victims of spiritual ignorance. We wonder why we are suffering, why we are broke; we wonder why we are sick, depressed and oppressed; but all these are the results of breaking certain spiritual laws.
Ignorance is inexcusable in spiritual things. The consequence of breaking a spiritual law is not suspended because you didn’t know about it. The law of gravity holds true anywhere in the world – no economy or climatic condition changes the law.
Even unbelievers cannot claim ignorance of the law. Romans 1:18-20 Says that God’s eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
You are expected to know the law. It is only the discovery of spiritual truths that can guarantee you lasting freedom. You should not wait until you are compelled by situations to find out what the law says. Unfortunately, many want to encounter truth without going through the search process. If you do not seek, you will not find or discover. When you do the search, your discovery leaves you with experiential knowledge that none can take away from you. Searching requires discipline, diligence and time. One discovered Word from God will change your life.
The prize attained from discovering key truth is far more valuable than the price you have to pay to make that discovery. To attain this prize, there is the need to be spiritually educated, and fight spiritual ignorance. One way to fight spiritual ignorance is to befriend the Bible. Make up your mind to become addicted to God’s Word. That is the path to freedom.
PRAYER; Lord I know there are treasures stored up in your Word for me, I need to find them, so that I don’t fall foul of spiritual laws. Please give me the grace to locate the truths I need to know from Your Word in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
In law ignorance is no excuse , as a child of God, failure is simply inexcusable. WORDBITE 222.
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]