Tom Vander Well

Questioning the Rules

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So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. Galatians 3:11 (NLT)

I find myself asking a lot of questions this morning. If “it is clear the no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law,” then

  • Why do I see so many people trying to keep all the rules so that can be “good enough” to earn God’s favor?
  • Why do we treat some rules as if they are a litmus test for showing that someone is right with God?
  • Why do some of us believe that breaking certain rules is evidence of not being right with God?
  • Why do I believe that my obedience to certain rules makes me more right with God than someone who has broken those rules?
  • If being made right with God has nothing to do with keeping the rules, then why do we make such a big deal out them?

I want my faith to be more about my relationship with Jesus and less about keeping rules. I want to simply love others instead of measuring them up by what they do or say.
I want to extend to others the unmerited favor that God has extended to me.

 

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2 responses to “Questioning the Rules”

  1. EllipsisWeaver Avatar
    EllipsisWeaver

    This is EXACTLY where I am at! Over the summer I got into and out of a relationship and I found myself trying to set rules and boundaries for how we would conduct that relationship. Not that boundaries are bad to establish, but I was more concerned with toeing the line than keeping my heart pure enough for the rest of me to follow. Needless to say it was a struggle that ultimately left me feeling drained. But the experience yielded a fresh understanding of 1 Samuel 15:22 for me. God wants our hearts; and if our hearts are right, our actions will ultimately follow suite. But even though our actions still don’t measure up, we can have right standing with Him. I LOVE that!

    Reply
    1. Tom Vander Well Avatar
      Tom Vander Well

      Great lesson to learn. I did that exact same thing in most of my dating relationships back in high school and college. It doesn’t make for a great relationship because your heart isn’t in it. It took me a long time to figure that one out. I’m glad to hear you’re learning the lesson now. It will serve you well!

      Reply

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