Most skateboarders, and let’s face it, most people in general hate the idea of following rules. Maybe it’s because skateboarders are just so used to breaking rules on a daily basis that it almost makes us think that all rules are useless. Whether it be a “No Skateboarding” sign, someone forcing us to leave because their stairs weren’t made for skating, or someone telling us we are too young to do this and too old to do that; we’ve grown so sick of abiding by other people’s guidelines that we now automatically want to go against whatever people tell us to do.
We all want to be rebels; it’s in our nature. We want to question everything and find out things on our own, and it’s that exact trait that makes following Christ so tough. Most people just want the benefits of Christianity without the responsibility. They only want to listen to the teachings of God that line up with how they want to live, and they decide what parts of the Bible they want to follow. Unfortunately, that’s not how God rolls. But why bother? Why should we revolve our lives around what God wants us to do?
So often the truth of God is portrayed as a book of laws rather than a relationship with a loving father. In order to understand why God gives us commandments, we first have to see Him for who He really is and understand how He feels about us. Once we do that, His commands look less like rigid laws and more like a passionate display of love.
Kind of like how God commanded Noah to build an ark. This was not an easy command to follow, to build a gigantic boat literally 3 stories high all on his own. But we know that God wasn’t just trying to be demanding or show His authority; the purpose of His command to Noah was to save mankind and every other species.
God is our Heavenly Father and He has an indescribable love for us. Because of that love, He has provided us with His wisdom on how to live the life He intended for us, a life laid out ultimately for the good of us. The Bible and truth of God’s word isn’t something that we should grudgingly look at as God trying to suck the fun out of our lives, but we should rejoice in the fact that an all loving Creator is trying to guide us through a life filled with peace and joy in Him.
“I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8
“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:21
“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7
God, thank you for your love. I know that I have failed you so many times but I am so grateful, Lord, that your grace abounds in me and cleanses me of my unrighteousness. I pray, Lord, thanking you for your wisdom and thanking you for giving me the truth of your word to help me live a life that best pleases you. Help me to not have a bad attitude towards your word. Help me to rejoice in your commands because I know that your word is for me and that your love is displayed through your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
