A Rule to Live By

After teaching 4K students for 19 years, I find it best practice to sit down as a class on our 1st Day of School, and go over the “Rules”. Rules that will help our classroom have order, keep everyone safe, and most of all, make a fair learning environment for all. Some of these rules are; no running in the classroom or hallways, no shouting, pushing or hurting others with our hands or words, no talking while the teacher is talking and use your manners, like “please and thank you”. Not too hard, right?

If you play sports, or watch them, there are rules also. These rules are to make the game fair for both opponents, keep all players safe, and give fans something to complain about. (Ok, maybe not the last reason.) However, and whatever sport, there are rules that go with that particular game.

In the big scope of life, there are rules also. Rules that apply to all adults. Rules like: pay your bills, pay your taxes, and obey the law. Parents have rules for their kids, pick up your toys, clean your room, unload the dishwasher, do your homework, be home by curfew. “Rules, rules, rules, why so many rules?” One might ask.

If these rules are not followed or obeyed, there are consequences. In 4K it may be losing 5 minutes of “Free Time”. In football it may be a penalty that results in a loss of yards, in basketball the other team make get a chance to shoot a free throw. In life, not paying bills can have a negative impact on your credit score. If you don’t follow your parent’s rules, your consequence may be loss of your phone for a time, loss of time with friends or forfeiting your allowance. The point is, rules are meant to be followed not broken.

God gave Adam and Eve 1 rule to follow. Don’t eat or touch the fruit on the tree in the middle of the garden. Simple enough? Eve even recited this rule back to the serpent when she was asked. The directions God gave Adam and Eve are very clear, and the consequence is one that should be feared. You don’t follow this rule, you die. A harsh reality. Just as Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent in God’s perfect garden, we too are tempted in life.

God gave us the 10 Commandments as rules to live our life by. How are we doing on those 10 rules? If you are like me, not so good! Too many temptations that I cave into far too often! Sometimes temptations appear harmless, like in the form of procrastinating to clean that room, or it may appear harmless, when a teenager lost track of time while hanging out and having fun with friends. Other times temptations may be deceitful, lying on your taxes, or cheating at a game. Regardless of the temptation, it still breaks a rule and gets us in big trouble. It still is a sin. A sin that we need forgiveness from.

Thank goodness for our Father in Heaven who loves us more than we can comprehend. We no longer have to fear death. He has delivered on His promise made after the fall of Adam and Eve. He has sent Jesus, our loving Savior, to take the wrath and consequence of our rule breaking sins away. Through Jesus we are offered life everlasting. Believe in our risen Savior, Jesus, and know our Father’s greatest gift. Love each other like God loves us. This is a rule to live by.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We are far from good rule followers and give into temptations so easily. We ask that you grant us forgiveness in the name of our risen Savior, your Son, Jesus. Lord help us to be a better person showing love and kindness to others as you so graciously offer us

In Your holy name we pray, Amen.