Following the Rules

Psalm 19:7

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The excitement and anticipation I felt about my first duathlon rapidly went away when I picked up my race packet. The folder that included my bib and bike number was printed with “important instructions” on the outside. These instructions demonstrated the proper way to put the number to the bike but also included, in large bold print, all the rules and regulations of the race course:

…Race numbers must be clearly visible at all times: one minute penalty. Equipment must be placed under the bike rack where your bike is hanging: one minute penalty. No head phones may be worn at any time: three minute penalty...

The directions overwhelmed me. I worried about the rules that I had to follow and the penalties that would be imposed if I strayed from them. The commands took away my enthusiasm. I wondered why there had to be so many directives and why the race organizers had to take all the fun out of everything.

How often do we look at God’s “rules” in the same way? He calls us to control ourselves – our words, our thoughts, our actions. Sometimes we view His commandments as a list of rules that take the fun out of life. Yet, as we come to know and trust in Christ, we are blessed with the understanding that His instruction is not a list of rules to take the fun out, but rather a code for living that protects us. God wants to keep us safe, spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally.

The rules of the duathlon were instituted to protect each participant, to free the athletes from potential harm, and to allow us to fully enjoy the race. The rules that God commands serve the same purpose. The law does not oppress us, it frees us to draw near to God. It allows us to worship Him, to glorify Him, and to freely live according to His purpose for our lives. And even when we find that we have strayed from the rules, we are not imposed penalties, but offered forgiveness through Christ. What a loving Lord we are called to follow! 

Father, thank you for loving me enough to protect me through Your commandments. Your law is perfect, Lord, and it revives my soul. Teach me your ways, Lord, and strengthen me to follow Your commands. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.