Rule of Christ

Philippians 3:4-9 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
 
RULES help you know what is right to do as they guide you to a good life. But be careful rules aren’t the source of your life. What do I mean by that? Look at Paul’s list of the ways he followed rules. He followed all the Hebrew laws as closely as he could. Some of those rules were from God. Some rules the Jews added to God’s law. It didn’t matter to Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. Rules formed his life.
    Then Paul learned one day he needed to enter into Jesus’ rule of love. In the power of Jesus, Paul’s mind was made new. He realized the old rules had kept him too focused on rules, and he could not see the true God.
    What forms your life? Are you a rule follower, “doing church” because it fits the rules? Or are you engaged with Jesus, “being the church” because the Lord of the church rules your heart? Do you say, “I’m supposed to do this at church and in my life.” Or do you say, “I get to do this with Jesus to serve him and my neighbors.”
    Yes, a Christian has rules to follow. Those rules are Jesus’ commands that point to loving God and loving others as yourself. To live in Jesus’ rule, love God. Love what God calls you to do. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  
 
Joy Link: Love the Lord, and you will love his rule on your life.