There Is An Absolute Standard

What Einstein proved was that while reality appeared differently in different situations, it actually remained the same.  In a car wreck it may appear to the occupants of one car that the other car is crashing into them while to a person on the sidewalk it is obvious that both cars are moving toward each other.  It makes no difference whether one is on the side walk or in one of the cars, the impact between the cars is still the same.  The total force involved can be calculated by multiplying the total mass of the two cars by the square of the total speed they are traveling at.   Although a nuclear explosion separated the protons, neutrons and electrons, the total mass involved remains the same, and since they travel at the speed of light, Einstein was able to use the standard calculation for force to determine the force resulting from a nuclear explosion, as well as calculating the force needed to make the explosion happen.  It was only possible because, although the situations appeared wildly different, the basic principles did not change. 

Unfortunately, the reporters who interviewed Einstein misunderstood and believed that he had in fact proved that the rules changed as the conditions changed.  Einstein spent the last several years of his life trying to convince the academic world that they were misinterpreting his findings.  Academics, like other people, do not like to admit they made a mistake.  As a result, many people today think the rules change relative to the circumstances.

The scriptures teach us that God established certain principles that are always true.   Understanding those principles, we can confidently act with assurance as to the outcome of our actions, whether we are building a house, cooking a meal or relating to another person.  Without it we would never know what would happen when we did something.    God’s law lays out specific guidelines for getting along in this world and pleasing God. 

Though God is loving and forgiving being, there are certain things he cannot stand.   Proverbs 6:16-19 tell us, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”  These are things God hates regardless of our circumstances or our religion. 

The first thing he hates is an arrogant or proud attitude.  James 4:6 warns, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  Proverbs 15:25 says, “The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.”  Pride brings us into direct conflict with God. 

The second thing he hates is a lying tongue.  Revelation 21:8 warns, “…all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  Sadly, lying is just accepted as part of doing business by many people today.  Thirdly, God hates murder, commanding that the murderer be executed in Genesis 9:6.   “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” 

He hates people who dream up evil things, even if they never do them.  How many authors and play writers have been arrested because they wrote a book imagining what it would be like to commit a crime, than went out and committed it?   How many others have red such books or heard some speaker and been encouraged to go out and commit crimes and sexual perversions?  How often do we hear about someone losing a career or reputation, or even being imprisoned because of false accusations?  How often do people deliberately stir up conflicts between members of a family, a church, a community, or a nation?

If we love God, we ought to avoid things he says are wrong, simply because we love him.  John 14:23-24 tells us, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”  If we don’t care enough to try to do what he said, we don’t really love him.   His standards are absolute and do not change.