Rules rules and rules

Our lives are full of rules and sometimes, if we are not careful, those rules could be stifling our freedom instead of maintaining them. I found it interesting that a senior leader has come out to say stop arresting those who do not fast during the month of fasting for a particular religious group. Paul tells Timothy some clear things and I have to repeat all 4 verses here.

1 Timothy 4:1-4
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Don't get me wrong. I am all for rules. Traffic laws provide safety on the road. Other laws protect us from crime. But some choose to extrapolate beliefs beyond what God has intended for mankind. Paul clearly instructs Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:10-11
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.

Are you abiding in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world? Or, are you relying on your personal religiosity to get to a right relationship with God and to heaven? Paul further instructs Timothy about what he was to do in Paul's absence.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

It is not about rules. It is about a personal relationship with the God of the universe taking on His character of justice, compassion and humility. If anyone preaches or teaches differently about God from this, we need to reject it. God desires His attributes in us that allows us to live godly lives without the need for anyone to check on us.

Father, I obey your commands and put my trust in you.

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