If your family was like mine, we had rules. “Walk slowly when you’re carrying scissors.” “Don’t put anything in electrical sockets except plugs.” “Don’t throw things in the house.” Why? Because our parents wanted to be dictatorial? Or deprive us of something fun? No. It was because they loved us and wanted to protect us.
One snowy morning schools were closed. While most of us were catching a few extra z’s, my two brothers were playfully throwing things at each other. Suddenly, there was a loud cry.
One of the boys had broken the other’s finger. Compound fracture. It suddenly became painfully clear why rules were necessary.
Rules and boundaries are important in homes, schools, communities, and on the job. They are important in the family of God, too. Jesus said, If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and he will come to him and make our home with him (v. 23). If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love (15:10).
Sometimes God’s commands are a test of faith. We’re tested when God tells us to do something that, in our view, makes no sense. He tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son (Gen. 22:1). We’re also tested when His commands are contrary to our desires.
God’s rules protect us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He wants us to have a full, healthy life, free of sin and it’s painful consequences by yielding completely yield to Him. He is certainly not trying to deprive us of something good. John wrote, For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (1 Jn. 5:3).
Also, let us not forget this important fact. The only way to know the rules or commands of God is through diligent Bible study. Searching the scriptures should be a top priority in our personal life, in our home with loved ones, and in the church with brothers and sisters.
Today’s Verse: With my whole heart I have sought you; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Ps. 119:10-11).
By Teresa Hampton