Rules.

Exodus 20:1-2

20 And God spoke all these words: ² “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery

This chapter in Exodus covers the Ten Commandments. Why did God gives us these Commandments? For the longest time I thought this was a checklist to make sure I was a good person and worthy to go to heaven. As you probably know, that isn’t the case. God didn’t give us these to be rules, but rather to be guidelines for a better life.

We always had rules in my household growing up, which were inevitably broken. One rule was that we weren’t allowed to drink or eat anything before we went to bed. Now me being an absolute fanatic of apple juice, found my way down to the fridge every night to drink a glass, or five of apple juice. I thought I was being sneaky and my parents had no idea until… I went to the dentist. Ten cavities later I was caught. My parents pockets were emptied. And I was in some deep “stuff” for lack of better words.

Rules are in place to help guide us, not to restrict us. Our sinful nature would be wild without rules. We would essentially be animals. These Commandments were given to us to help us sin LESS, not be sinless. Always remember that. The only perfect person to walk the earth was Jesus. Hold yourself to a standard, but give yourself grace during times you fall.

Jesus loves you right where you are. Whether you are in the midst of breaking all the commandments or you are following them well. The Commandments aren’t the point of all this, Jesus is. Once we start to see this more clearly, we will be able to live in freedom and joy.

Am I trying to follow rules or Jesus?

How can I find a balance?

Dear Lord, thank you for loving us despite our sinful nature. Thank you for loving us so much you would send your Son to die on the cross. We are so grateful. Amen.

Have a great day!

C. Lyman