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Article Archive |
2008
Change the Rules?
by Jim Morris
During the summer we play a lot of board games on Friday nights. At times we have invented our own game rules a bit rather than following the game maker’s written rules. At times it got pretty ugly as rules changed on mere whims. Angers flared. Words flew. Fun fled. My son, Matthew, wrote the article below after reflecting on some of the hardships created when we “change the rules.”
Do you always follow the instructions that come with games? Sometimes, I don’t really like the official rules, so I change them. After all, what does it matter? I don’t always agree with the game maker, so why should I be bound to his rules?
Most of us would probably feel the way about games to some extent. Now, this game logic tends to come through in other areas of our lives.
One example is criminals. They don’t agree with the law, so they make up their own rules thinking, “It’s okay for me to do it.” This is when people get into trouble – making their own rules in the wrong areas of life. Of course, breaking the law is bad, but what about less apparent issues such as lying and cheating? Is it ever okay to lie or cheat? Can we make our own rules about what is right or wrong?
Many people live out the answer, “YES, I can if I think the circumstances make it necessary.” While this may seem good in some situations, we should think about the One who made the rules. Jesus said, “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
But why should we obey Him? First of all, He made us. Therefore, He has authority over us. It is as simple as that! Second, all of His rules are for our benefit. Everything that He commands us to do helps us to be pleasing to Him and to live our lives to their full potential. That being said, we cannot change what God has commanded. And you will find that if you live by His commandments, His word will change you into a better person. You will become more and more like the person you were meant to be. You will become more like Jesus. So don’t change His word; let His word change you!
So, the next time you decide to change the rules of a game, remember that there are some rules that you should never change. And those unchangeable rules will bless you and enable you to live with God forever.
Isn’t it refreshing to see our sons and daughters reflecting on God’s word on their own? May we encourage our children to drink deeply from the springs of God’s eternal word.
11-12-08
# 46
