One Rule to Rule Them All…

We didn’t want a lot of rules in our home when our kids were younger.  We felt like the Biblical example of focusing more on principles for living than rules seemed like a good example to follow as parents.  I John 5:3 tells us to keep God’s commands, but it also tells us His commands are not burdensome.   

Side note: 60% of people equate Christianity with a set of rules.  (Source: Churchless by Barna Group’s George Barna and David Kinnaman).

As parents, one of the rules/principles we used instead of having a cumbersome list of other rules is that we told our kids we wanted them to use things for what they were made for.

The refrigerator door wasn’t made to be held open for ten minutes while looking for something to eat.  The hot water heater wasn’t made for one 90 minute hot shower.  The cat wasn’t made to be yelled at (that one was for me).  We hoped that asking our kids to use things for what they were made for meant we wouldn’t have to endlessly repeat a long list of other ‘rules’.

When it comes to using things for what they were made for, I need to ask myself – and ask you – are you using your life for what it was made for?  Here are some things my life and yours were made for. 

·      We were made to have a growing relationship with God…Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

·      We were made to have, reflect and contribute to the hope of others.  Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

·      We were made to serve others.  Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

·      We were made to be grateful.  I Thess 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

·      We were made to have peace and be peacemakers.  Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Psalm 4:8 "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

The good news is if there is an area where you may not be using your life for what it was made for, you are only one decision away from change and you will have all the help you need if you ask God for it in prayer.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Psalm 125:1