Rules, rules, rules

Its human nature that we tend to "challenge" rules. The more we are reminded of the rules, the more we want to challenge them. Our attitude has become a severly objective-based one. Our bosses will tell us "do whatever it takes you to do, but get the job done."

The SAF has instituted "7 core values" among their soldiers, but sadly, integrity isn't one of the 7 core values! A well-known saying among them is "do whatever you want to do, but don't get caught".

We know that rules are put in place to protect us, but so often we find the rules restrictive when we encounter problems. We want to "bend the rules", or work around them. Sometimes, if we do not forsee any repurcussions, we choose to break the rules altogether.

For example, when was the last time you crossed the road at pedestrian crossing when the "Red Man" was lit, just because there was little or no traffic on the road at that time? Or do you recall the last time you decided to jaywalk across the road underneath an overhead bridge because you were too tired to climb the bridge?

What about those who drive? When was the last time you made an illegal U-turn, or sped above the legal speed limit just because you thought it was safe, or because you were in a rush?

When was the last time you couldn't find a rubbish bin, so you just threw the piece of tissue or sweet wrapper into the nearest available receptacle which is not a designated rubbish point? Have you eaten that sweet in the MRT train in spite of the "No Eating or Drinking" signs prominently put up in each cabin?

Did it ever occur to you that sometimes when people try to follow rules so strictly, that the people end up breaking them instead? Its that "sin nature" in us, coupled with satan's never ending temptations, trying to cause us to fall into sin. Everytime there's a chance for us to fall into sin, there satan is, trying to make us fall for it.

The only solution to this is to keep praying, that God would deliver us from sin, and keep watch over us, constantly reminding us of what is right and what is wrong. I pray that we will one day be able to triumph over all of satan's temptations for us to sin. In that day, satan will be defeated and his reign over us would be over. Hallelujah!