MAY 3, 2013
Momma’s
Rules
Read: Ephesians
4:17-32
Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows
corrupt.
—Ephesians
4:22
I
met a delightful woman named “Momma Charlie,” who has raised a dozen or so
foster kids. These youngsters were assigned to her by the courts, and she gave
them a home with stability, guidance, and love. She told me that every time a
new
child arrived, the first order of business was to explain “Momma’s Rules.”
These
included behavioral standards, plus chores that would provide much-needed
help
in the busy household while teaching accountability to kids with little
previous
training.
Some
of the children may have balked at “Momma’s Rules,” thinking they were
robbing
them of fun or pleasure—yet nothing would be further from the truth.
Those
standards allowed for an orderly household where both Momma and the
children
could find life enjoyable and peaceful.
Similarly,
some look at the standards God set forth in the Bible as obstacles that
prevent
us from enjoying life. However, the boundaries God places actually protect
us
from our worst inclinations and foster healthy responses to Him.
In
Ephesians 4, for example, Paul provides some guidance for how we are to live.
As we live by these and other loving instructions from God, we find protection
and
the opportunity for true, lasting joy.
Father, thank You for the boundaries of life that
protect us from sin and from ourselves. Give us
the wisdom and grace to respond gratefully to
Your Word in areas of danger and temptation.
God’s Word is the compass that keeps us on course.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
