Jumping Through Hoops

I hear people say this to me almost all the time.

"If Christianity is about relinquishing the 'chains of life' over to God, then why does He continue to put more chains on his followers?"

What they are referring to when they ask this question is the supposed sets of rules and regulations that many people commonly associate with being a follower of Christ. Take for example, the ten commandments. Very easily referred to as a list of rules we have to follow.

People don't like the idea of having to keep to a set of rules and practices to earn the love and/or approval of a higher power. The thing is, however, that this is not the case with the Christian God. You already have God's love! He loves you unconditionally whether you follow him or not because He created you! He's not forcing you to keep to any rules, regulations, or practices, but asks that you try to obey these out of respect and love for your creator.

When you are in a committed relationship, you don't remain faithful to them because society and/or your moral values demand you to. Granted that those things do have a say or slight play in your opinion of the matter, they are not the real reason you are loyal to your spouce/significant other. You are faithful to them because you love them! You don't cheat on them because you know that would break their hearts. You don't want anyone else, you just want them! That's why you keep to the rules such as remaining loyal, being honest, and staying true. You don't do it because you have to; you do it because you want to.

That's the way it is with God, believe it or not! You don't keep the rules because you just wanna please the people at your church or youth group. You obey because you love your creator.

If you are too busy trying to keep to these rules without understanding the principle of God's unconditional, never-ending love, then it will feel like you are constantly walking on a ledge. As if one move could send you plummiting. However, if you are focusing more on loving God and bringing glory to him and honoring him, then keeping these so called 'rules' just comes naturally. Trust me, I've been through it.

The more I learned about the unconditional love of Christ, I found myself living out more biblical values and aspects of life as the knowledge and faith grew. I came to discover the wonderful things God was capable of, which made me grow to love Him even more! At that point, keeping the rules became second nature to me. I started praying more and more and it eventually became an every day thing, multiple times a day! I began to read my Bible more and wanted to understand God's word.

Christianity isn't about keeping rules or following practices; it's about love.

Christianity isn't a religion; it's a relationship.