"We don't need many rules....but some." I underlined these words in one of my favorite books. In the "but some" lies personal conflict as I try to figure out which rules are essential. I tend to challenge rules by trying to find exceptions to &/or ways around them (ie. loopholes!). Seems each time I'm subject to a new rule/law I lose more of the freedom I enjoy so much!
Understanding that two rules encompass all the good rules (even the Ten Commandments!) I'm considering "KISSing" (Keep It Simple Stupid!) most rules goodbye by attempting to follow just the two (commandments) that Jesus said were the greatest. When I'm conflicted I know enough to check my motive (the why behind what I'm doing or not doing) & attempt do what Jesus would do. If I'm successful, then no one will be able to fault me - unless the rules I break in that process are bad rules to begin with.
Matthew 22: 34 - 40 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[b] This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Think about it. If everyone followed these two rules there would be no need for any others (freedom!).
Given that Adam & Eve had only one rule to follow - & the rest is History (His Story!) causes me to consider that "KISS"ing most rules good-bye might not be as easy at it seems it should be - given my tendency to "push the envelope" I'd like to "seal w/ a 'KISS' ".
7 comments:
As I said in my blog, I love rules. Maybe because I am a first born. I do agree, that we really just need to live by the 2 main rules.
I understand...I'm often making spoken/unspoken rules & really don't like breaking rules. Its ironic that I read your post, revisited "that book"/found that line underlined...& my youngest & I are reading a book called "RULES" about a girl who has a brother w/ autism...& how he seems to function best with/like/need(!) "black & white" rules - so for whatever reason I've just been thinking a lot(!) about rules :) mb I'll post another book report when I'm done w/ RULES - it's a middle school type quick read :)
i am going to look that book up. It sounds like I would like it. I have a sister who has down syndrome.
Really?! ... I had a brother w/ Downs Syndrome. He died. 5 yrs ago - today. I miss him! so much.
P.S. The book is called RULES & it's by Cynthia Lord
Wow! How ironic that I mention my sister on this day. I am choked up as I read about your brother. I am so sorry you have lost him.
My sister is 14 and if you search on my blog, you can see a picture of her. She is adopted and is the only child who still lives at home. She lives is Ga so I don't get to see her that often, but she always brings a smile when I see her.
I was choked up too. & I'll search your blog - shortly. I want to "meet" her.
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