Rules vs. Relationship
After hearing God’s plan for their lives, the reformed congregation of Israel made a vow to obey Moses’ law, to not marry godless people, to bring their tithes and offering, and to worship God regularly. What a moving occasion with people weeping and others celebrating. They were turning from the old life to join in God’s cause.
But a few years later, everything had fallen apart. Not only had they let their daughters marry godless men, but they had an enemy of God living in the Temple!
They worked instead of worshipping;
they indulged instead of giving;
they forgot instead of remembering.
Big emotional moments can lead us to make great promises: “I’m never watching TV again,” “I’ll read my Bible everyday no matter what,” and “I’ll get rid of all my old friends.” However, a one-time promise doesn’t cut it. As soon as we forget the emotion, we’ll forget the emotional vow we took.
Craving stability, some people often want a list of do’s and don’ts to follow. Unfortunately, humans bend rules. If the law says, “Speed limit 40” people drive 45. If the teacher says, “No talking,” kids start passing notes or texting. If the sign says, “Stop smoking,” people start chewing. Rule-based religion may control outward actions, but not inward motives (See Colossians 2:8-23).
Rather than have us live by rules, God wants us to live everyday in expression of our love to Him. Rather than saying, “Is it wrong to go to a casino?” ask, “Am I honoring God by this? Is this my expression of thanks for what He has given me?” Rather than ask, “What’s wrong with this movie?” ask instead, “Would Jesus give a thumbs up to the words and scenes in this film?” Rather than a lady asking, “How long does my skirt have to be?” she should ask, “What can I wear that will not attract improper attention to me, but give glory to God?”
Lists of no-no’s become forgotten or sneaked past, but when we focus everyday on pleasing the Lord, we won’t try to cheat the rules. Let’s cherish the relationship and live by the Law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2).
Look at the way people abuse the first four of the ten commandments. Watch out for some of the rules people keep and see how religion destroys faith.
At the same time, we will take a good look at right relationship with God and explore that opportunity.