"Rules That Lead To Joy"

I'd like to share something with you that I read this evening in The Word In Life Study Bible based on I John 2:3-6 I hope you will benefit from reading it.

"Most parents expect obedience from their children as a sign of loyalty and trust. In a similar way, God expects His children to follow His commandments (vv. 4-5). In fact, when we obey God and act like Him, we show ourselves to be His (v. 6)

We can be thankful that God has established rules and standards. Without such boundaries, we would not experience freedom but chaos. After all, we no longer inhabit Eden, but a broken world of sinners. We need moral safeguards that protect people's rights, delay gratification, enforce commitments, define relationships, ensure privacy, and demonstrate a respect for life.

Furthermore, we can be thankful that God is the One who has defined moral absolutes. Sinners could not be trusted to define goodness or justice.

God's original desire was for humans to have authority over all creation (Gen. 1:26-31). But sin and rebellion made us incapable of carrying out that responsibility (Gen. 3:22-24; Rom. 1:18-32). However, Christ has opened the way for us to re-establish our relationship with God and assume once again the responsibilities for which He created us:

*He has provided for the forgiveness for our sins (John 3:16-19).
*He has provided renewal for all of our life (2 Cor. 5:16-21).
*He empowers us to carry out His work (Acts 1:6-8).
*He has established guidelines for proper conduct (1 John 2:7-17).

When we follow God's commandments we experience true liberty. As His obedient children we can be fulfilled, fruitful, and joyful as we look forward to the promise of eternal life (v. 17)."

When we live in a world based on God's laws, God's rule, we are blessed. When God's laws and God's rules are cast aside for laws and rules made by men (especially when they do not know God), we suffer - there is chaos, fear, and pain. We can have joy and happiness in this world, but not what we could have had if we had been obedient to God. For Christians, there will be trouble and sorrow all around us until the Rapture or our death, whichever comes first. And then, for those who are left behind, the real trouble will begin.

Blessings to all!