Matthew 15:3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”

Religion is a funny thing. It claims to be about connecting man to God, but it quickly devolves into man controlling man. Nowhere is that more clear than in Islam, which very name means, “submit,” or “submission.” The thing is, such a tendency is hardly limited to specific religions, but is common to all mankind. God puts out rules for our good, to keep us from hurting ourselves or each other, but we twist that around to control others. As the saying goes, “Rules for thee but not for me.” That is abundantly clear in politicians, who trumpet, “No one is above the law,” but then ignore the law themselves whenever it seems convenient. We are rightly disgusted at such behavior, but sadly, swallow it whole when the shoe is on the other foot. And of course, that is doubly true when it comes to religion, as in today’s passage. When Jesus was asked which rule was most important, He really stripped it down to brass tacks: “ Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” We quote that, and at the same time, ignore it. Life is about relationships, first of all with our Creator, and then with the people around us. If we get those right, everything else falls into place, just as Jesus said. If we mess those up, nothing else is right.

Of course, this applies to me as much as it does to anyone else. As a “religious professional,” it applies especially to me! I have always hated legalism, but that doesn’t mean I can ignore the things God has stated clearly. Likewise, I get into patterns/habits/ruts that can feel like they’re essential, but I’ve got to focus first on my Lord, and let everything else flow from there. Three weeks of traveling, from the 14^th of next month, will play havoc with my devotional/blogging schedule, particularly with crossing the International Date Line both directions, so I’ve got to let God show me when to do what, and value the people around me in the process. There are all sorts of ramifications to the “rest, relax, rejoice” that He’s told me to do!

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. Thank You for the practicum on what You have me preaching this morning! Thank You for the clear awareness that my faith, trust, and obedience aren’t perfect. Help me keep growing in all those areas, to be Your agent to all around me, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!