1 John 5:3
Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn’t hard at all;
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I have some pretty
simple, straightforward “rules” at our house. The children know that
we don’t allow jumping on the furniture…and that they eat and drink at
the dining table or kitchen counter - and not in the other rooms. They
know that when we go somewhere and leave the car, we hold hands and
stick together.
The children understand that we use “inside
voices” when we are in the house – and that they are not to be bossy
toward their siblings – or toward us or other grown-ups! They remember
that there are certain things at our house that are off limits and are
not to be touched. And for the most part, they do very well with these
guidelines. They have their moments, as all children do…but by and
large, they do a really good job of staying within our parameters. And I
honestly think that this makes things easier for them.
The
children know what is expected…and what is accepted. They don’t have to
worry or wonder. In a way, this frees them to enjoy their time with
us. They know that when they operate within these guidelines, everyone
will get along and be happy…and there might even be a “reward” or two
along the way for such good behavior and obedience. When we are pleased
with the children, we love to shower them with “blessings.”
Do
you see my point? So many people want to think of the life of a
Christian as restrictive, when in truth, it can actually be just the
opposite. When we follow God’s commands and serve Him in all things, we
know where we stand at all times. We are freed of the burden of worry -
and wondering whether or not God is happy with us. Like little
children, there are times when we slip up…when we say or do something
that displeases God. But if we make every effort to live within His
parameters and serve Him wholeheartedly, God will bless us with His
abundant gifts of grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, healing,
forgiveness – and amazing surprises and opportunities.
Will
everything always be a bed of roses? Absolutely not? Will some seem to
have more blessings than others? Certainly! Will this assure us a
life free of suffering and difficulties? No way! Nobody ever said
being a Christian disciple would mean life on Easy Street! But I
promise you, when we follow God’s commands and have some semblance of an
understanding about where we stand with Him, everything is just so much
better.
Aren’t you ready to try living in the freedom of following God’s will? Is this the day you’ll get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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