You cannot Legislate the Heart

Before there were laws against stealing, people stole. After there were laws against stealing, people continued to steal. Before there were laws against killing, people killed. After there were laws against killing, people continued to kill. Before there were laws against hate crime, people committed hate crimes. After there were laws against hate crime, people continued to commit hate crimes. Before there were laws against drug abuse, people abused drugs. After there were laws against drug abuse, people continued to abuse drugs. Before there were laws against speeding...well, I won't go there. Why? Because you cannot legislate the heart. Laws serve as deterrents because of associated punishments. But those who have a desire to commit an act, will continue to do it, taking precautions not to get caught. This weakens the overall effectiveness of law as an absolute preventative measure. You can't legislate the heart, but the heart can be changed resulting in right choices. It requires a spiritual change which is then reflected outwardly in actions and choices. The church excels here--or should--because we know the master heart surgeon--Christ. We know where His office is located and how to help usher people into His waiting room. A changed heart results in changed choices. When there's been a heart change, a thief will steal no more. When there's been a heart change, a murderer will kill no more. When there's been a heart change, hate is replaced with love. Bible believing Christians know that you can't win a spiritual battle using carnal (man made devices or devices wielded by human power) weapons. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" Change, hope and healing will come, but there's a prerequisite: Christians--His people, who are called by His name--must stand in the gap. This involves humbling, turning, praying and seeking Him as outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Something else we need to stop doing is pushing/promoting our will and start inviting God’s will as shown in Matthew 6:10, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” In other words, inviting the Lord to rule with authority here on earth just as He does in Heaven. Christ has been kicked out of a lot of things, yet they are labeled "His will" when promoted or justified. You cannot legislate the heart, but you can help to facilitate a heart change which will in turn bring about change in actions and choices. Before I end, I’d like to say my heart aches for the families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. I pray for God’s comfort and peace in a way that’s personal to each of them. I understand and share the concerns of families who have loved ones fighting the virus on the front lines. I pray the Lord put a protective hedge around them and keep them safe.