I am a rule follower. Rules keep life orderly. They spell out what one can and can't do. They also tell you what you have to do - what is part of your duty. Rules make life simple. But following the rules is not always a guarantee for success.
Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:2)
Prior to Jesus coming, the Israelites lived under elaborate rules. They felt if they followed all of their rules to the letter they would surely enter heaven - they would be righteous in the sight of God. But their insistence on keeping the law made the law more important than God. They held the law up as something to achieve rather than living with a heart of faith.
We can allow this to happen to us, even today. We get caught up with the works - the duties - of the Christian life and we forget about the faith which should be motivating the actions. Our lives should be focused on God and from that devotion we will have a desire to live life by the rules God has given us.
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:5)
God's spirit resides in each of us. He has given us the great tool to love Him. Obedience to His rules - fulfilling our service to Him - is an outgrowth of that love. Rule following for Jesus isn't a burden but it is a joy.
People may say, "rules are meant to be broken" but as Christians breaking God's rules tells God that our love for Him isn't as important to us as our own desires. With love as our inspiration, following the rules God has for us gives us freedom to be who we are called to be.
Scripture
Fun Fact
There are some interesting laws on the books today...here are a couple for you to ponder...
In Michigan, it is illegal to chain an alligator to a fire hydrant.
It is against the law to whale hunt in Oklahoma.
In Fairbanks, Alaska it is illegal for a moose to walk on the side walk.
Question of the Day
If you could make one law, what would it be?
Don't forget to check out the "Digging Deeper" page with updates on this past week's GUMY Session and the "GUMY Photo Album" with updated pictures and videos from Session #2.
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