Today’s Readings: Psalm 15; Leviticus 19:1-18; Luke 20:27-40; Philippians 3:8-11; Psalm 42
Many of us grow up thinking of rules only in negative terms; we often think of them as things that limit our personal freedoms. Consequently, there’s a part of us that balks whenever we encounter them. Today’s reading from Leviticus presents a portion of the “rules” that the Israelites were to follow. The older I get, the more I notice that my perspective on these rules changes. Instead of thinking about rules in negative terms, I’m starting to connect with the fact that most of the rules are really about one thing: maintaining healthy relationships. Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t exploit your friend, don’t spread gossip and rumors … all of these things are meant not to limit personal freedoms– they are meant to preserve the integrity of our relationships with those around us. So how do you view rules in your life? Do you still see them as things that limit your personal freedoms, or do you see them as things meant to protect the integrity of your relationships? How you see them will probably go a long way in determining your attitude as you live into those “rules”. Til next time…
Many of us grow up thinking of rules only in negative terms; we often think of them as things that limit our personal freedoms. Consequently, there’s a part of us that balks whenever we encounter them. Today’s reading from Leviticus presents a portion of the “rules” that the Israelites were to follow. The older I get, the more I notice that my perspective on these rules changes. Instead of thinking about rules in negative terms, I’m starting to connect with the fact that most of the rules are really about one thing: maintaining healthy relationships. Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t exploit your friend, don’t spread gossip and rumors … all of these things are meant not to limit personal freedoms– they are meant to preserve the integrity of our relationships with those around us. So how do you view rules in your life? Do you still see them as things that limit your personal freedoms, or do you see them as things meant to protect the integrity of your relationships? How you see them will probably go a long way in determining your attitude as you live into those “rules”. Til next time…
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