Week 2 Saturday

Follow the Rules

Today’s scripture selection: Romans 3-4

Key verses: Romans 3:23-24

     “THAT’S NOT FAIR – YOUR’E NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES!”

Remember those days?  Maybe you were playing “Spaceman on Mars” when you encountered your alien little sister hiding behind a bush.  You shot her with your ray gun, but she didn’t disintegrate like she was supposed to.  When you objected, she simply replied that she was wearing her special Martian anti-disintegration space suit.  “THAT’S NOT FAIR,” you screamed, “YOU’RE NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES!”  That’s when Mom or Dad told you the game was over and it was time to wash up for supper.

     Most of us try pretty hard to follow the rules, whatever they are.  And even the rebellious spirits among us soon learn that if you consistently break them, there are harsh consequences to pay.  If you don’t think so, try mouthing off to your boss or keep running that stop sign.  The pink slip or the rescue squad will soon be on the way.

     So, as adults, we follow the rules – or at least we try.  And, with a little experience and maturity, we learn that often the rules – what the Bible would term the “law” – are good things.  They keep us safe; they assist us in maintaining civil order; they help us to do what is right in the eyes of our fellow human beings and, hopefully, in the eyes of God.

     But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just can’t follow the rules.  Intentionally or un-intentionally, we break the law.  We fail, we “sin”.  We miss the mark.  And we, or someone, have to pay the consequences.

     What Christian faith adds to the conversation is that God loves us so much that he provides a way to start over.  Yes, the price has to be paid – but it’s paid for us.  Yes, there are consequences to failure and disobedience.  But God allows for a way that ultimately saves us, if we will accept his gift.  What is the gift?  It’s called grace.  While the law serves as a tutor; a hedge; a guard – grace allows us to be forgiven and begin again.  It’s not free – not entirely.  But it is free to us if we will just accept it with thanksgiving.  And, oh yeah, next time – try and follow the rules a little better.  They’re for your own good.    

    

Prayer: Lord, I know there are some times, too many times, when I fall short of your hopes, dreams, and desires for me.  Forgive me, Father.  Thank you for your ever present, ever loving, grace.  Help me to live in its light every day.  And show me how to be a person of forgiving grace toward others whom I think have “fallen short.”    AMEN.