Breaking the rules

I read a story today about where a foster mom had set the rules of the house.  The kids thought the rules took away from their fun time.  They soon learned that if they kept the rules, that things worked more smoothly and instead of it taking away from their fun time, it actually gave them more time.

God has given us a set of rules and it is the Bible.  It is not meant to be a list of do’s and don’ts, but more of a way of giving us more freedom.   God tells us not to do these things, not because He wants to take your so called fun, but more for your physical, emotional, and spiritual protection.  This scripture below is about how we are to live as Christians.

Ephesians 4:17-32 New International Version (NIV)

Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Did you read the passage carefully?  If you did, you would quickly realize that if we lived this way, we would actually have more freedom.  We would not be slave to our desires, we would not be slave to anger or jealousy, we would not be a slave to the world system, and we would not be a slave to the Devil.

What choice will you make, live the life that God wants you to live where you have more freedoms or live the life the Devil wants where it seems like you have freedom, but ultimately become a tormented slave?  When you decide, however you decide, take a  second and say thank you to the Lord for giving you free will to make the choice.

Updated: May 4, 2016 — 1:45 am