Recently someone commented, "God’s commandments are too restrictive. Every time I turn around I am finding out some new commandment that makes me give up something else and stops me from enjoying life."
Comments like these show a lack of understanding of God’s purpose and His love. The purpose of His commands are not to restrict us, they are there to set us free. They give us boundaries for our safety. His commands allow us to move freely through a much greater expanse of life.
In giving us boundaries, God is showing His love for us. Research has repeatedly shown that people who do not have well defined boundaries live in a much smaller and more confined area. Jesus came to set us free, but He does so by giving us an aim, a plan, and a control.
1 John 5:3 (NASB), states, ". . . For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. . ." Following God’s commands are not a grind. They are more like an eager child following the directions to build their amazing model and anticipating a wonderful final product.
God desires that we have an abundant life. That means that in our life we can understand our purpose and know His plan for us. We can experience the joy that comes with the boundaries which provide protection. Scriptures share that in Christ we have liberty.
2 Cor. 3:17 (NASB) 17. . . where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
James 1:25 (NASB) 25But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Scripture shows us that the guidance and commandments of the Lord provide liberty, joy, and blessings. Our first step to understanding the commands of God is to adjust our attitude about His laws. Instead of being influenced to believe they are stopping our fun, let’s choose to see the liberty they bring. All of God’s guidance comes from His heart of love.
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