“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets…Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law…”
Matthew 5:17-18 (KJV)
It seems like the world around us is ever-changing; even rules and laws are subject to adaptation, modernization, and even complete re-evaluation. If the world is always changing, what does that mean for God’s law? Should God change a thing or two to accommodate us or to better fit the given circumstances?
The Bible says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7 KJV). Author Ellen G. White expands, “The law of God is perfect. It presents the righteousness of God—a complete standard of moral excellence.”1 But what does that really mean? Let’s look at how this question applies to our lives.
Mia stared at her phone's glowing screen as the group chat exploded with messages. Her soccer team had finally made it to the championship game, and everyone was excited. Friends, family, coaches, and even high school scouts would be there. It was the kind of moment Mia had dreamed about for years. But there was one problem—the game was scheduled for Saturday during the Sabbath. She tossed her phone onto the bed and groaned, wondering why this always seemed to happen to her.
That week at church, her Sabbath School teacher had discussed how many people today say God’s laws are “outdated,” as if time could erase what God had written. At first, Mia hadn’t paid much attention to the lesson, but now the words kept replaying in her mind. If the world changes, do God’s commandments change too?
Later that evening, she sat at the kitchen table working on her history homework about ancient civilizations. As she read, she realized that human laws were always changing, with kings and rulers creating, amending, and removing rules based on what people wanted. But God is not like human rulers. This thought stayed with her.
The next afternoon, Mia wandered into the garage, where her grandfather was repairing an old clock. Tiny gears and tools were spread across the table. She watched him carefully adjust a piece before asking, “Why don’t you just replace the inside with something newer?”
Her grandfather smiled, held up a gear, and said, “Because if I change the inside, it won’t work the way the maker designed it.”
Mia shrugged and replied, “But it’s old.”
He chuckled softly. “Old doesn’t always mean wrong. Some things don’t change because they were made right the first time.”
Those words struck Mia more deeply than she anticipated. In an instant, she realized that God's commandments are not just temporary rules for biblical times; instead, they reflect His eternal plan for humanity. Just because the world changes, it doesn't mean God does as well. Humans didn't create the Sabbath; it was established by God during Creation, long before modern life came into existence. Since "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," His laws remain true as well (Hebrews 13:8).
That evening, Mia finally texted her coach. She apologized and explained that she would not be able to play in the championship game because she wanted to honor the seventh-day Sabbath. Almost immediately, messages flooded in, asking if she was serious. Part of her felt nervous and disappointed, but deep down she knew she was making the right decision.
The next day, while the game was underway, Mia sat in church during worship. Later, as the sky glowed orange and gold outside the windows, she felt an unexpected peace. She realized that obeying God is not always easy, especially when the world pressures people to compromise. However, truth does not cease to be truth simply because society changes. Thousands of years ago, God commanded His people to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Today, even in a modern world filled with distractions, those commands remain unchanged. Cultures, technology, and people change, but God’s law remains the same because God Himself remains the same.
“I am the LORD, I change not.”
Malachi 3:6 (KJV)
The world may move farther away from Him, but His truth still stands—then, now, and forever. God is forever, and so is His law. He made us special, in His image. We were made to be with Him, yet sin separates us from Him. Without God, we can do nothing. Without God, we are nothing. But in the safety and beauty of His presence, as Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Praise God, I’ve seen it in my life too. I notice a notable difference when I start the day with God. I feel His presence and have a blessed day that surpasses even my own expectations. The more time we spend with God, the closer we get, and the more we begin to understand Him and His laws. He will help you keep and understand His laws if you just ask.
So next time you doubt or struggle with God’s laws, remember that God is perfect; He knows what’s best and would never lead us down the wrong path.
“All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever” (Psalm 111:7-8 KJV).
Call to Action
Ask yourself: “Am I shaping my life around God’s unchanging truth, or around a changing culture? Today, choose to follow the One who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Unless noted otherwise, scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1958), book 1, 320
