House Rules

In card games there are a zillion number of little variations that people have depending on local custom and preference. This also applies to sports where people change the rules to overcome different ability levels. Recently I spoke to a youth basketball coach who encountered a team that wasn't taught to play defense so that the kids would have an easier time scoring. Needless to say his defensive-minded squad had their way with the other team.

These 'house rules' are quite common, and Jesus has left us with some, too. As Christ-followers, regardless of how the game is being played in other places or homes, these are our 'house rules',

Colossians 3:18-25
You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.

You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. Fathers, don't aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.

You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.

Ephesians 5:21
And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

In our case the Holy Spirit is the ref, speaking to our heart when we get out of line. Seems like a pretty good game to me.

Jesus, remind me to start with you when I look at the world. To often I start at the point of judging the “fairness” of something and then asking you to make sense of it. May I start with you, trusting you, seeking you and your ways first. As I struggle to see or understand your will, may I never doubt your character or your purposes.