Bible Reading: Matthew 22:37-40 & 1 Corinthians 14:33
If I make up a list of my personal “rules to live by” are you obligated to obey them? If you make up a list of your own personal “rules to live by” am I obligated to obey them?
Who decides which set of rules is right? What standard should be used to decide whose rules are the right rules?
The idea that each person is entitled to “do his own thing” is not God’s idea. Each person doing whatever he or she thinks is right is dangerous and chaotic, and I Corinthians 14:33 tells us “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
Matthew 22:37-39 give us God’s two main rules for life – important rules to live by. These verses say, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’” These rules are the only rules that are consistent and expect every person to be treated with love, compassion.
If everyone were to obey those two rules, no one would ever do anything that would hurt another person and every person would be loved, respected, and treated with kindness. There would be no more rudeness, unkindness, or violence of any kind.
God expects us to love Him and to love each other and He has every right to expect us to obey Him. After all, God is in charge.
Whose rules are you living by?
“If you love me [Jesus], you will obey what I command.” John 14:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for your perfect set of rules. In Jesus’ name. Amen.