Authority

In our society we find that rules govern everything we do. One cannot drive down a highway without noticing speed limit signs. The red light means "STOP". In other words there are rules of the road to govern the safe and orderly flow of traffic. Failure to abide by the rules can bring penalties such as fines or loss of driver's license. or worse, bodily harm and death can result.

When the Kentucky Wildcats play football, 'the players have to play by certain rules. A defensive player cannot tackle a player by grabbing the facemask. The defensive line can't jump offsides or the offensive line can't false start. You can't block in the back or grab the jersey to block someone. Failure to abide by the rules will result in a penalty call against the offender and loss of yardage thus hurting the team. Of course, all sports have their particular set of rules.

When we go to the grocery store, there are rules to follow. Just try and walk out of the store without paying. No matter what we do in life, rules are there to keep things in line. Whether we talk of the store, bank, barber shop, amusement park (don't cut in line), gas station, or what ever we put our hand to do, there are rules to abide by with penalties for breaking the rules.

That is except for religion. For some reason folks realize the role that rules play in everyday life but then when the subject of religion comes up, all of a sudden, there are no rules. Everyone is free to do what please them or their "religious" group. Jesus is still saying, "why do you call me Lord, and do not the things that I say" (Luke 6:46; see also Matthew 7:21.) Yes folks, there are rules for religion too and those rules are found in the New Testament. The Lord's rules are the only ones that matter.

re you playing by His rules or trying to bring your own?