“The Code is the Law!”

Last week in the prison and other discipling outreaches, I showed a scene from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean – At World’s End. In this clip, a major crisis has called for the convening of the Pirate Brethren Court. The hearts of the nine pirate Captains are divided over strategies and solutions. Some say run, some say fight, but Captain Barbossa points out, “As per The Code, an act of war can only be declared by the Pirate King.” In defiance, one Aide loudly yells out on behalf of his Captain, “Sri Sumbhajee proclaims this all to be folly! Hang the Code! Who cares a…?” [A single, loud gunshot rings out.] The Aide falls over dead and there’s immediate silence. All eyes turn to the shooter, Cap’n Teague, Keeper of The Code, who has just dispensed swift justice. He blows fresh smoke from his pistol and coldly states, “The Code is the law.”

As the pirate Captains have a newfound respect and motivation to adhere to “The Code,” Captain Jack Sparrow promptly calls for a vote to elect a Pirate King. In a total surprise, Elizabeth Swan is elected Pirate King, leader of the Pirate Brethren. The other Captains are outraged at this sudden turn of events and chaos ensues again. Jack interrupts the growing resistance with, “Am I to understand that you will not be keeping to The Code, then?” Immediately, Cap’n Teague — Keeper of The Code — is ready to administer more justice to any would-be protesters. The bickering quickly stops and the Captains acknowledge Elizabeth as Pirate King.

I showed this scene to illustrate what happens when people (individuals, families, societies, governments) stray away from “The Code,” in our case, The Bible. No one seems to know what is right any more, and the inevitable consequence is increased confusion and tension. Chaos is abounding in our marriages, homes, schools, courts, and government. Everyone has their own “measuring stick” for determining right and wrong. People and Parties are full of themselves, their opinions, and self-interests to the point of hostility, and they strive greatly for the power to promote their own agendas. While drifting further from The Code, in and of ourselves, we gravitate increasingly into what Genesis 3:5 refers to — having to “be like God”, govern ourselves, and discern good from evil on our own. It’s godless. (Less and less God)

Can you see where this increasing godlessness has taken the US in just the past fifty years? People, to include Believers, have gotten so far away from The Truth — The Bible — that tolerance is now presented and accepted as a greater virtue than truth. Consider this today:

Under the US Constitution everyone has the right to believe whatever they want

Under Tolerance everyone’s beliefs are right

You catch that? Tolerance advocates that all beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims are right and equal. Wrong! All beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims are NOT right or equal! Yes, people have the right to believe whatever they want, and yes, even God gives you the freedom to choose (Deu 30:19). However, just because you’re free to choose, doesn’t mean that what you choose is automatically right! E.g., you have the right to believe that Mickey Mouse is the Messiah, but does simply believing make you right? Of course not. We must be able to honestly evaluate — place a value on — all truth claims and choose wisely and honestly.

Realize also, that in the name of tolerance, many universities and colleges have amended long-standing Religion 101 course objective statements:

Then: “To study and evaluate the truth claims of various religions.”

Now: “To study and appreciate the truth claims of various religions.”

See the difference? Evaluate means to place a value on, to create a hierarchy, or to conclude that one belief system/religion has more value and merit than another. However, to appreciate in the name of tolerance means to accept and embrace all truth claims as equal, so as not to “judge” or “offend.”

The solution to this chaos is to return to the One True measuring stick, the Words of God. God made it plain with His very first Commandment in Exodus 20:3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” To acknowledge and accept this precept requires trust, humility, and a dependence on God. To disregard and reject this edict requires pride, self-centeredness, and independence from God. Basically, to take the position that, “I am god.”

2 Timothy 4:1-5 warns Christians that “the time will come when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching (The Code). Instead, they will follow their own desires and they will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth (The Code) and chase after myths.” Also, 1Timothy 4:1-2 says, “In the last times some will turn away from the true faith and follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” Yikes!!!

God loves the world. As a matter of truth, God loves you. (John 3:16, anyone?) The proof of God’s love? Read the following:

Rom 5:8-11 “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (vs.9) And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. (vs.10) For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. (vs.11) So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”

Did you catch that? Even when we were at our worst, God still loved us and reached out to reconcile us to Him! Why? What’s His motivation? It can only be love, because there’s nothing of great value that any of us can really give to Him except our love and affection.

Let’s get back to The Code (Bible). Let’s stop being opinion-based Christians and become Word-based Christians. Let’s tell people that Jesus, the Son of God — crucified, buried, risen, and coming back — loves you! And, His love for you is true, whether you believe it or not, know it or not, and like it or not. LOL! Read The Code, know The Code, and share The Code with people every day!