Rules supply the framework of the world we live in. We actually feel much more comfortable when we are given a framework to live within. We find comfort and security within these rules. We can find rules to live by in God’s Word. What rules do we live by? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I saw a post the other day asking if the rules for a certain division had been released yet. I happen to be on a mailing list and I receive rulebook changes during the season. I often wonder why rulebooks are printed in racing, the minute someone finds a creative interpretation they change the rules. The challenge comes with hitting a moving target. When the rules aren’t stable they create confusion and confrontation.
That brings up the subject of technical inspection, the way the officials find out if the racecar conforms to the rules. There have been some places where the rules are just suggestions and you can “run what you brung”. There are others that hold the teams to the letter of the law, no flexibility. Depending on where you race depends on how you prepare your car. You are in for a rude awakening when you think they won’t check and then they do. That just might cost you a race.
Maybe there ought to be one open division. A division with the most basic rules leaving most of the particulars up to the car builder. I miss the ingenuity and creativity we used to see. Can there ever be another Pinto revolution? I don’t think so but that’s a discussion for another day.
We do better when we have parameters to define where we can operate. Think about the road we drive on. They paint the rules on that road. The lines and colors define the lane we are allowed to drive in. We have confidence when we travel that if we stay in our lane we can travel safely. But what if they repaint the lines? I remember an episode of Seinfeld where Kramer adopted a road. He decided it was his road and he could repaint it the way he wanted. He did, confusing the drivers and causing accidents.
But why is it lines in parking lots don’t count? There are places where the rules are ignored and that causes confusion, anxiety and stress. We have to remember, when you enter a parking lot all rules are off, the lines mean nothing! I have been in places that have roads with marking similar to those in the US but they are not followed by the people that drive on them. I was told to just blow my horn and I could use whatever lane I wanted; even on the wrong side of the road. The rule there was, the one who blows his horn first has the right of way. You better make sure the horn works! I’ll give you one guess how traffic was. Chaos ensued.
We need rules. We need to follow the rules. Life needs to be bound by things that are always true, always dependable and always predictable. In the absence of that foundation we are lost. We have nothing we can count on and chaos ensues. God’s Word provides us rules to live by. Rules that give us hope and a future. Rules that will provide us with a fulfilled and satisfied life.
Deuteronomy 4:39-40, NLT; “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”
I thought it might be good to take a look at some of those rules that God gave Moses for our benefit as part of our winter Bible Study. They are referred to as the Ten Commandments. God indicated it would be good for us to let these rules frame our life. Jesus also taught on these rules and we’ll look at that also.
I invite you to join me as we take a look at the rules that should frame our lives. This is what Moses said about them.
Deuteronomy 4:5-8, NLT; “Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy. Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!’ For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?
As my friend from Key Life Ministries, Steve Brown, is fond of saying “There are really only two Spiritual laws; there is a God, and you’re not him.” Therein lies the main reason why it is beneficial for us to heed the commandments God gives us. There are also other reasons but look at the passage above, it says if we obey, others will see us as wise and intelligent. Those are two character traits that I think we should all desire. We also learn that only God’s commandments are fair and righteous, no nation possesses those traits except the ones that obey God’s commands.
Here’s the list and I am sure most of us have heard them in some shape or form. You’ll find them in your Bible in Exodus 20 and repeated in Deuteronomy 5. Spend some time reflecting on them this week and we’ll talk about them.
The 10 Commandments:
- You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not make idols.
- You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet.
Rules to live by, I am looking forward to spending some time exploring the meaning and implications behind each of these. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
