HOW DOES THE OLD TESTAMENT APPLY TO THE LIFE OF A CHRIST FOLLOWER TODAY? - Part 3

Part 3 of a 3 part post:

Let’s work through an example of how this process can be used. We’ll use this command from the Book of Deuteronomy: “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house, if anyone should fall from it.Deuteronomy 22:8 (ESV) I checked it out very carefully and I am pretty sure that this commandment is not addressed anywhere in the New Testament. Since it doesn’t fit either of the first two criteria we need to apply this process. Since Mary and I have a home with a flat roof, there is a parapet around the edge of the roof, but for any of you who have houses with pitched roofs, I’m pretty sure you’re violating the literal command since your house is not constructed with a parapet. But are you really violating the spirit of the law here? The first thing we have to do is to identify the general principle, which is pretty easy to do in this case because God gives us the reason for the command. The reason for building the parapet is to keep someone from falling off the roof and being injured or killed. So the broader principle here is that I am to protect my family from harm. The second step is to see if that principle is confirmed in the New Testament. Let me suggest a few passages that would be applicable here:In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.Ephesians 5:28-30 (ESV) But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV) Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you1 of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) So the principle that I am to be diligent in protecting my family, and especially my wife, is certainly confirmed in several places in the New Testament. And that principle can certainly be applied to a number of specific situations. In my personal case, one way I apply that principle is that I have made a commitment never to speak ill of Mary in public or to say anything to anyone else that would damage her reputation. If I have an issue with her I will only discuss it with her one on one in private.
 If we follow the example of Jesus, then the question we ask won’t be “Do I have to keep this commandment?” but rather “How can I keep this commandment?” And this process provides the framework that will allow us to do so.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.