Rules Rule

We have a pool. That means we have a constant pile of wet beach towels in front of my washing machine. That also means I spend a lot of time saying these words, "Do NOT sit on the couch wet!" It seems that no matter how many times I say those words, the kids love to come in the house, use the towel until their skin is dry and then plop down on the couch, never considering the bathing suit they are wearing is still soaking wet. Yesterday, we repeated this process for the approximate 40^th day of summer vacation. All I want is for them to put on dry clothes. Then they can sit anywhere and I won't say a word.

I got to thinking how we sometimes wear our faith like a child asked to dry off and change clothes. The Bible is full of God's words that promise good results in our lives, but we continue to ignore those requests. There's a continuing debate about whether our God sits on His throne and decides if good things should come to you or me or the person next door. I'm not prepared to debate that issue on this Monday morning, but I do know this. God's laws, rules, commands—whatever you want to call them---were never meant to bring harm, only good to those who choose to follow them.

Many years ago, as the director of a summer camp, I allowed the teenagers to play a game of basketball with no rules. They could run with the ball; they could kick it; they could foul anyone they want to foul. They looked forward to this "fun" way to play basketball. But, you can just imagine the chaos that occurred within five minutes of the game beginning. It was a great opportunity to sit the kids down after a few bumps and bruises and tell them that God's "rules" for our lives are intended to bring peace and harmony to what promises to be a chaotic world. Every game comes with a set of rules. If this were not true, no one would enjoy the game. The rules make the game enjoyable. They give the game boundaries and direction. If we choose, and it's a choice, to live life respecting the principles in the Bible, we can avoid so many of the pitfalls of life, keep the bumps and bruises to a minimum, and find life more enjoyable.

But, like children, we sometimes get lazy in our faith and believe we can get away with sitting on the couch in a wet bathing suit. In other words, we get lazy in doing good. The Bible warns against this in Galatians 6:9 where it says, "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing
good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."

Today is Monday. It's a great day to get to some of the "God rules" you might have let go in your life. Again, I don't know all there is to know about God answering prayer, but I do know that the scripture above tells me--I will harvest a good crop if I don't give up! And you will to. Keep on keeping on and following God's rules better living.

Have a great week.

Hugs, Chrys