I think you’ll agree with me that rules are a good and necessary thing. Whether it is a board game or a sporting event, rules are important. Rules prevent chaos and bring order. Rules can protect us and prevent inequality. We are a civilized society because there are rules by which we live. Can you imagine living in a culture where there were no rules?

But what about too many rules?  That can get out of hand, too, if we aren’t careful.  Too many rules can often steal some freedoms, happiness, and peace from our lives. That is nowhere as obvious as when it comes to religion.  Christianity changed our interaction with God from simply appeasing a “god or gods” to knowing the one true God.  Not just living to make Him happy and to gain His favor but knowing God personally; having a true relationship with the One who created you.

By the time of the incarnation, the Hebrew religion had become a system of keeping rules. The “rules mindset” almost begged for more rules.  Take the first commandment, for instance. (I’m paraphrasing here) Don’t work on the Sabbath and don’t require anyone else to work. Pretty simple, huh? Nope.  People began asking the religious leaders some honest questions so that they wouldn’t inadvertently disobey God.  What, exactly constitutes work?  Can we fix a meal? Can we visit with friends if we have to walk too far? Can I milk my goat? Is it ok to mend a robe that needs it? It is interesting to read some of the Hebrew laws on how to keep the first commandment.

Rules are necessary, of course.  But if we try to use rules to be closer to God we will keep making up new ones.  I always tell folks they should seek to be closer to the Lord; they need to know him scripturally. As we get to know His character and purpose, rules will follow.  Once we understand the Bible isn’t a rule book it’s a love letter we develop rules  that draw us closer to Him.