Rules V's Laws
An American general once said “Rules are mostly meant to be broken, and are too often for the lazy to hide behind.” While this may be a very controversial point of view, it also seems to be an increasingly popular viewpoint, which more people seem to be choosing to agree with, and worryingly, even adopt into their lives. But why? Is it because naturally no one likes to be told what to do, or how to do it? Has the desire to rebel against any form of authority or dictatorship gradually strengthened and increased, where a mindset of ‘its my life therefore I write make my own rules’ has taken over? Or is it basically because some people actually believe that they are superior to and therefore ‘above’ any societal, natural, or universal rules or laws?
Many of us break rules daily, both consciously and subconsciously to different degrees. A smaller degree or ‘minor’ rule break can occur, by speeding towards a traffic light in a car, in an attempt to pass through the amber light before it turns red. Whereas a ‘major’ rule break can occur, by refusing to stop after the amber light has actually turned red. Both of these incidents are a rule ‘violation’, but the repercussions for breaking either a minor or major rule, differ greatly. Every individual has free will, which means they have the right to choose which rules they do, or do not, wish to follow or break. But what about ‘laws’? Is there a difference between a rule break, and a law break?
While most rules are set and established by human governing bodies and establishments globally, each individual has a right to put in place their own set of personal rules, which they can choose to hold themselves accountable for. A minor self-imposed rule might be a decision to abstain from social media after midnight, whereas a major rule they might set for themselves, could be to give up smoking. While the constant violation of either of these rules carries unpleasant and negative effects, the consequences and outcome received for the ‘major’ rule break of continuing to smoke, will obviously carry a more severe punishment, with a substantially more damaging long-term effect.
Breaking a ‘law’ is a much more serious violation, therefore, the repercussions are generally major. The punishment for breaking a law will always be greater and more forthright, because the effects of the violation can affect other people also. These can be the effects made on innocent and ‘law abiding’ individuals, who are not involved in the violation of a law in any way shape or form. And in many cases these are often individuals who have absolutely no knowledge of the rule break whatsoever. Yet, because of the choices made by other people, to outright ignore or manipulate a law, they can unfairly find themselves in circumstances which can ultimately become extremely harmful, destructive and damaging to their lives, regardless of whether or not this was the intentional outcome of the perpetrator of the law violation.
Rules and laws are enforced as a system of principles designed to protect all human beings, regulate social interactions and relationships, and instil the correct standards required for effective daily functions. They are designed to ensure all humans are treated fairly, equally, and respectfully at all times, with corrective and redemptive purposes in place for failing to do so. Regardless of whether an individual chooses to abide by, or uphold these rules and laws, these are a set of necessary, essential and vital principles. Without the placement of ‘fair’ law and order in our everyday life, social, mental, emotional and physical disorder, will ensue worldwide.
When we uphold both the human and spiritual rules and laws, not only do we eliminate confusion, stress, fear and paranoia, ultimately we are blessed with confidence, choices, peace, and freedom. If we choose to break or ignore these laws - or attempt to bend them to suit our own agenda - the severity of the outcome and consequences met, may require at the very least, a necessary extension to the famous quote which would state ‘Rules are made to be broken, but at your own risk.”
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