Why Do We Respect Man’s Rules but Break God’s?

We fear man’s immediate consequences; tickets, jail, deportation.

It’s fascinating and troubling how easily we submit to the rules of men but push back against the rules of God. In the natural, we know that if we enter another country, we don’t get to do what we want. We respect their laws, their culture, and their expectations. To ignore them is to face immediate consequences: fines, jail, deportation, even loss of citizenship.

But when it comes to the Kingdom of God, too many of us act like the rules don’t apply. We claim to be part of the Kingdom while still living by our own preferences. We expect the benefits of citizenship without the obedience that true citizenship requires.

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The Entry Point: Grace

Let’s be clear, entry into the Kingdom isn’t earned. It’s granted by grace through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). The blood of Christ paid the price, and we walk in because of His sacrifice.

But here’s where the misconception sets in: grace was never a license to do as we please. Grace is the doorway; obedience is the lifestyle. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Kingdom access is free, but Kingdom living requires submission.

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Man’s Laws vs. God’s Rules

Why is it that we follow man’s laws but resist God’s rules?

• We fear man’s immediate consequences; tickets, jail, deportation.

• We ignore God’s eternal consequences; spiritual death, separation from Him

because they are not always visible or immediate.

It’s a dangerous trade-off. We honor temporary authority more than eternal authority.

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Assimilation or Rebellion?

Think about immigration to the U.S. Many desire access without assimilation. They want the benefits of America without embracing the culture of America. Spiritually, many believers want the benefits of the Kingdom without the transformation it requires.

But the Kingdom is not like America. It’s not a democracy. It’s not up for debate. The Kingdom is ruled by a King, and in His Kingdom, His Word is law. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The promise comes after alignment, not before.

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Guardrails, Not Shackles

God’s rules aren’t meant to restrict but to protect. They are guardrails on the highway of life. Just as traffic laws keep us safe, Kingdom principles keep us in step with eternal life. Without them, what feels like freedom is actually destruction. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

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The Core Truth

We submit to earthly governments because we fear punishment. But the true Kingdom citizen submits to God out of love, reverence, and understanding of His goodness. Unlike earthly kings who often rule for their own benefit, our King rules for ours.

So let’s be honest: if we’re willing to honor the rules of men for temporary safety, why wouldn’t we honor the rules of God for eternal security?

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✍️ Reflection Question: Are you truly living by the rules of the King, or are you just enjoying the benefits of access without the surrender of assimilation?