There is no question that Christians are to follow a lifestyle that is above reproach.  The Bible, a Christian’s guidebook, has many do’s and don’ts that demand an exemplary lifestyle. 

Most have heard of the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments.  Many have also heard of the Beatitudes and “turning the other cheek�.  In addition, there are a host of other rules; the sheer number can be overwhelming.  Although at first glance all these do’s and don’ts, can easily be one of the more notable features of the Bible and the Christian life, upon closer examination however, a much deeper, more significant theme becomes evident. From beginning to end, the Bible rings out with the theme of God’s incredible, unsurpassed love for us and of His desire that we in turn have a loving relationship with Him.  Therefore what He does and commands us to do is motivated by that love and that desire. When this is firmly grasped, our view of Christianity will take on a whole new perspective.

We are best able to understand His great love when we examine His character in contrast to our own nature.  He is absolutely perfect in every way.  He exhibits in complete balance, perfect justice, mercy, and love.  No characteristic in Him is tainted by the need to prove or justify Himself, nor does He have the need for our approval. He is also not subject to selfishness or pride, and does not have character flaws and weaknesses that might cause Him to show favoritism or cause Him to be unjust. Human beings, on the other hand, are not like that.  In fact the Bible states that our best efforts are so mixed with questionable inner attitudes that from His perspective, “All the right things we have done are like filthy pieces of cloth. (Isaiah 64:6)� (New Century Version). “All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23)� (Contemporary English Version).  Therein lies a problem for us.  On the one hand we see that God loves us, not because we are loveable but because it is in His heart to love us.  But on the other hand, God’s perfect justice demands that our wrongdoings (sins) be punished.  Those sins cannot just be overlooked or forgiven. Furthermore, those sins have separated us from a relationship with Him. 

How was God to satisfy His heart of love and mercy while satisfying His perfect justice?  This love for us has been demonstrated in an incredible way.  God decided that He would accept our punishment upon Himself, through Jesus Christ.  Jesus willingly came to earth to die on the cross for our wrongdoings. “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life (John 3:16)�(NCV).

Each November in Canada, we remember the sacrifices made by so many during previous wars.  Without detracting from the incredible sacrifice of those men and women, it is nevertheless true that their sacrifices were made for their nation, family, and friends—those that they loved and those that loved them.  In addition, most did not go into battle with the express intent to die.  They knew they might die, but were hoping they might not die.

Jesus willingly left the perfection and joy of heaven, for the difficulties and sorrows on this earth.  Furthermore, He knowingly and willingly came for the very purpose of dying for us and, not only that, He died for us while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:6-8).  That is a love that is beyond out ability to comprehend.  Knowing therefore that God has demonstrated such an incredible love for us, it is reasonable to expect that the do’s and don’ts He has given us to live by are for our good and not for our bondage.   In fact it can be said that His commands are an expression of His love and His desire that we relate to Him in love.  He desires our freedom and our joy.  Rules and freedom are not contradictory.  Consider, for example, the rules of driving a vehicle.  It is safe to say that those same rules that limit our freedom in some way also give us the freedom to drive in safety.  It is when those rules are violated, that accidents happen. 

How are we to respond?  It is one thing to obey someone that seeks to subject and enslave us, but quite another to obey one who has demonstrated such a sacrificial love for us.  He desires that we respond in love and obedience.  Yes, it is possible to grit our teeth and obey His commands out of a sense of duty and regret, yet God’s highest desire is that we obey out of love.

Although illustrations do not always accurately convey a message, consider for a moment the difference between a pair of oxen that farmers formerly used to plow, and a pet dog you may own.  The farmer needed the oxen. He yoked them together, harnessed them to the plow and, with reins and a whip went to work.  Because the oxen had been broken, they dutifully did the farmers bidding.  They stopped when instructed, turned when told.  At the end of the day the oxen were loosed, fed and watered.  They had followed the instructions.  In contrast, consider your pet dog.  You love that dog and the dog loves you.  Yes, he obeys you.  He follows you and desires your company and your approval.  You communicate with that dog and, at the end of the day that dog can lie on your lap and enjoy a good relationship.  The loving obedience of the dog in response to a loving master is so much superior to the forced obedience of the oxen to a demanding taskmaster.

The Christian life can be seen as a burden and bondage if we are unable to see God’s heart and unable to respond in love. But, if we see God’s heart for us, His commands become less of a duty and more of a joy for us.  His do’s and don’ts are not suggestions, but Jesus said that if we truly love God we will keep His commands (1 John 5:3, John 14:15).  And, if we truly love Him with all our heart, soul and mind, and others as ourselves, then most of the numerous other do’s and don’ts in the Bible are abundantly fulfilled (Matt. 22:37).

Read Other Articles