I write a daily devotional read by about 800 people. This following one was todays. I thought it would be one many here might enjoy.
Blessings!
Our rules become our substitute savior. Keeping those rules becomes our self-salvation project with Jesus safely outside the picture. With enough rules and regulations set up, we don’t need Jesus. The deception that we can save ourselves has taken over.
Myriad are the number of people trusting in the keeping of their own set of rules as a means of salvation.
If we get pretty good at keeping some of them then spiritual pride can step in. We can then feel justified in judging those not keeping whatever rules we have set for this week.
The problem with a piety competition is that it is open to everyone. Eventually someone will be better at it than you .... at least in their minds.
The reality is that none of our rule keeping makes us right with God. It is simply and purely the mercy of God and blood of Christ. Our self efforts at holiness will not accomplish what His grace and blood can not.
His blood sets us free. We need not exhaust ourselves keeping ever growing lists of rules. Those lists are never ending and expanded daily by those wanting to heap additional burdens on the backs of others.
When freed from lists by the blood of Christ we then only keep two rules in total.
1. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
That's it! That's all!
Never again do you need lists of rules to keep. If you are engaging in an action or event simply ask what expresses love for God and man. Just do that. No more lists of other folks "do's and dont's" to remember!