<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the most part, I am a rule follower. I was the kid in school who followed the rules. Problem was, as goody-two-shoes as I was, somehow if a paper wad was sent across the room and I caught it, it would be me that the teacher caught holding the wad and I would be the one who had to sit outside the classroom as punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But all-in-all, I have been a rule follower. I have also always had a great fear of getting in trouble. When I was young, I was just like the Pharisees in Mathew 12:1-2 \u201cWhen the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, \u201cLook! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath,\u201d I tattled on classmates when they were breaking the rules (I annoy myself just thinking about it).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My sister was 12 years older than me so I was the \u201csquealer\u201d if she came in after curfew or when I saw her kissing a boy. I showed no mercy, because she showed little mercy for me when I was whining about something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a rule follower has made a journey as a Christian woman an interesting thing. Seems there are many \u201crules,\u201d as many view them. This week I attended a meeting of a group whose primary goal is helping needy people. This organization receives calls from people in great need. Representatives of that group visit the family to determine their needs and then a fund provides aid and assistance for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different ones shared about the 100+ temperatures we have in Austin. It’s considered a blessing for those who will, otherwise, have their electricity turned off if they can’t afford to pay their bill if under 100. I asked the question of the group: \u201cDo you support the homeless who are stopping cars and they have a cigarette in their hand?\u201d Immediately, I heard that we don’t judge. This group simply loves as Jesus loves. Ouch and oh me! Goody-two-shoes here recoiled as I realized I was a snitch again!
Honestly, I have had to allow the Lord to teach me how to love as He loves and to follow the rules out of love for Him rather than following the rules for fear of getting in trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My rule-following started when I was 4-years-old when I found a package of gum on the floor by the cashier\u2019s check-out stand. I promptly put it in my pocket and once in the car, I opened it and was unwrapping the gum when my mom witnessed the whole diabolical scene. Well, maybe \u201cdiabolical\u201d is too strong of a word, but nonetheless, that day I learned what \u201ccharacter\u201d looked like. My mom marched me back in the store where I had to apologize and with her money, paid for the gum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Believe me! To this day, if I\u2019m given too much change back by a cashier or am undercharged for an item, I will fess up to make matters right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has been a journey to stay the course. Temptations are accessible to let some little incident go unnoticed. After all, the cashier didn\u2019t notice or the salesperson didn\u2019t notice, so why not get a better price or no price at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Matthew 12:7, Jesus says: \u201cI desire mercy, not sacrifice.\u201d He shows us His heart of compassion, revealing to us that if we are following the rules without any love for Him, desire to know Him, devotion to Him\u2014then our adherence to the rules is empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am a work in progress on this, and maybe you are, too. It will be a continual effort throughout my life to follow the \u201crules\u201d and commandments laid out for me to say, \u201cBecause I love You, Jesus!\u201d rather than \u201cBecause I fear getting in trouble, Jesus!\u201d I take the journey one day at a time, as each of our journeys to love Jesus more always are just that . . . one day at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, I invite you to reflect on your reasons for following the commandments. When our reasons are motivated by love for Him, it can change everything.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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