Rules

My favorite movie of all time is Steel Magnolias. I feel that, because it's set in a small town not too far from my own, I can relate to much of the southern humor. Without a doubt, Shirley MacLaine takes the prize for her portrayal of Ouiser Boudreaux.

One of Ouiser's best lines comes when she explains why she grows tomatoes if she doesn't like to eat them. She claims, "I’m an old Southern woman and we’re supposed to wear funny looking hats and ugly clothes and grow vegetables in the dirt. Don’t ask me those questions. I don’t know WHY. I don’t make the rules."

Have you ever felt like Ouiser? You keep on doing what you're doing, simply because that's what you're "supposed" to do? You really have no justification, or calling, or mission. Instead, you're just going through the motions because that's the rule. I can certainly relate.

Sometimes, in my relationship with God, I get lazy. I fail to truly focus on Him or to give Him the time He requires. I still read my Bible, pray, and go to church, but I do those things because it's the rule, not because my heart desires them. Surely, some of you can identify with me on this!

The Bible says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

I don't see anything in that passage that indicates that Jesus died so that I would follow the rules. Dear one, He has so much more for us! He wants us to have full, abundant, overflowing life! That sounds a bit more exciting than obeying a law.

Today, as we go about our days, let's seek the Lord before we act. There's no telling what exciting things He'll allow us to do, simply because we love Him, not because we followed the rules.

Thank you, Father, for sending your Son, Jesus, to free me from rules. God, as I go about my day, prompt my heart to act out of love for you.


Lindsey Pond