Henry Ford once said "history is bunk." But he knew who to bunk with, or better yet, who not too. Seems we are known by the company we keep, and first impressions still make a difference. When Jesus first met Andrew and Peter, He called them and they came. No credit report, or references, they came, when called. The Spirit urged them, and they obeyed. What a concept! Obedience. And if it worked then, do you think it might work now?
The law versus the spirit defines the Old and New Testaments. In the Old, everything was required from you in keeping the laws, some 600+ of them. No way you could ever keep them all, or even know what they are. So you were always in trouble. Just like a woman from Haz Mat told me, they are self sustaining, and need to fine people to exist. And since it is impossible to know all the rules and regulations, rest assured she could find one in even the cleanest shop. Guilty. Tell me, which law is your favorite?
That's the law, yet so many Christians desire to live under it, and can't keep it, and so are always in sin. Why even try when it is so futile? Just try to build a house, or even an addition, or start a business. You will be overwhelmed by laws, restrictions, and covenants-when all I want is to cover my patio, or make widgets. The law kills-but thankfully, the spirit gives life.
I used to bug Ken, our Bible study leader, about rules. He would pray "let your Spirit guide us tonight," then tell us the rules for the evening. Which was it? And many will argue you need rules, and you do-because we refuse to obey the spirit. God says very simply, obedience is better than sacrifice. Do you need to review all your problems from disobedience to get that one? What is your favorite part of sacrifice?
So walk in the spirit. Trust God, is how I put it. But how do you trust someone you don't know? Again simple-get to know Him. Read your Bible-God's gift to man. Pray-ask Jesus to help you. And let the Spirit guide you. He gave us all a conscious, and although most of us are unconscious, He forgives and shows us a better way. But it is up to us to make the decision.
Henry must have thought history was bunk, but it has also been said if we ignore history, we are condemned to repeat it. Stupid hurts, so seek to live in the spirit. Trust God and follow Him. And obey the one commandment He gave-love Him with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. That ought to keep us busy for awhile-say like until He calls us home.
Let God guide you-not control you like religion, but guide you. You get to make the choices, but make them based on God's knowledge, and watch as joy enters your life. Jesus hated religion, which means binding, and promises freedom from it. Seek the spirit today, and you will find Him. Just a little faith will go much further than any laws. History-His story-let it be found in the Holy Spirit living within you!
God shed His grace on thee. And where his spirit is found, there is liberty. What part of freedom don't you understand?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
