People are Not Easy to Love (no. 4)

“If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: ‘Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch’? All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence” (Colossians 2:20-23 CSB).

Do we worry all the time about rules? I see it a lot around Christian groups. Is this a sin? Is there a rule about this? What do you think about this? When we should be asking God, when I should be asking God if I died to the world and am looking for Him? Only He can change my heart.

I get around to a few churches in my journeys and I hear a lot of rules that, to an outsider like me, make very little sense. Folks like rules though. I have my own list of rules of what I do and don’t do. I had a list of rules before and I do now as well. BUT rules never changed my heart. The only thing that has changed my heart is having a daily relationship with the Lord. And that might incorporate a routine and rules when you get started BUT a routine and rules is not going to keep you in the relationship. Only a dedication, a connection, a love for God is going to keep me invested in daily throwing myself into His service.

Rules and routines are a great place to start. Rules and routines establish the practice. BUT they are never going to change your heart. Only God can change my heart. And that means daily to, “. . . deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:34-35).

Grace and Shalom to your home.

I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoKingButChrist #EmbraceTheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH