Rules Rule

Psalm 19:8 (ERV) -“ The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy.The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live.”

     Everywhere we turn there are signs telling us what to do or what not to do. Doors tell us to ‘exit only’ or ‘ no entrance’; street lanes are ‘right turn only’ or ‘no passing zones’; stores tell us ’10 items or less’ or this lane for ‘cash only’. ‘ No food or drink allowed’; ‘ use only 40SAE oil’; ‘do not microwave’, ‘ no sitting-no standing-no leaning-no parking-no running-no swimming-no diving- no left turn, no right turn, no nothing’! We see courtesy signs, warning signs, humorous signs and even signs to tell us what other signs are for; but all in all each sign is to inform us of a particular command or rule that is designed to keep us safe and living in peace with others.
     God’s laws are the framework for all of the civil rules we see in the world around us. Some believe that since we live under ‘grace’ we no longer need to fuss about the rules and regulations that were outlined in the Old Testament. God’s laws were designed to show us our need for salvation but they are not out-of-date or out of sorts. We may not need to sacrifice lambs and bulls anymore but we do personal sacrifices when we yield ourselves to the rules and commands of God. 
     Sometimes the laws seem a bit restrictive, but when we (like Paul proclaimed) are prisoners of Jesus, held captive by his love, we don’t mind following his guidelines and living under his direction. These rules keep us pure, safe, healthy, guilt-free and in some cases even temporarily free from sin. When we read the scriptures and learn the lessons that the proverbs, psalms, gospels and epistles provide we garner wisdom that helps us lead productive and Christ – centered lives.     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Enjoy the weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn