Not Just a List of Rules

Every find yourself thinking that Christianity is just a list of rules you have to follow?  Ever feel as though you are missing out on the "fun stuff" those around you are partaking in?


Today I urge you to challenge that thought, to resist it entirely, for it is but another lie that the devil tries to convince us of this blessed life we have been given through Jesus Christ.  This is not to say that there are no rules, but rather to exemplify how these rules have been set up for our good, for our safety, and in order that we might bring praise and glory to the King of our lives.  When viewing these rules that God has set up for our good in a light of reverence, it becomes easy to see how minuscule and petty they become compared to the wondrous things God has done for our lives.  They are no longer seen as an obligation, but rather as an honor that we are able to please the One who gave it all by following.


It is time to change our view point on these matters.  It is not what we are missing out on by holding out on these so called fun things that the world offers us and that our flesh desires, but rather what we are gaining from refraining.  God's promises of eternal glory, a life in His presence, and a freedom matched by no other, dwarf what little joy can be found in these worldly things.  And yet, we find ourselves wishing we had it easier, thinking about what it would be like if we didn't have to follow all these rules, and sometimes envious of those who hold no regard for them.  Granted this life on earth may seem more fun if we could partake in some of these acts, our promise of the life hereafter is more than enough for me to see how unnecessary these things are for my life.  


God has so much more to give, and He simply asks for our obedience.  We have been given life, forgiveness, redemption, freedom, and a hope for our future.  It is time we give Him something in return; our praise, our desire, our passion, and our love all belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We did nothing to deserve what He has given us, but we must allow Him to work in our lives to make us whole, and live out His will for our lives.  In light of all this, is it really too much to ask?


Verses:



Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-24



For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
~Philippians 2:13


Be encouraged! He is working in you, through you, and for you.  He is working in all things for your good so that you can live the life He has called you to live.  Give Him obedience, and the rewards He has stored up for you in Heaven will far outweigh anything we could experience here.  Imagine all you are gaining by simply refraining.