A hearty good morning to all of you overweight people, who ate way too much over the holidays. A happier crowd we are, one you may not have found just few weeks ago as the cookies, pie, and chocolate were overflowing, but now the TV ads remind us of how to lose it all. When maybe if we hadn't indulged so much before we wouldn't have the likes of Janet Jackson-Michael's sister selling weight loss programs. Now that's Neverland! Just like Donnie and Marie, Dan Marino, and many other beautiful celebrity types, follow their regimen, eat their food, and stick to their rules RELIGIOUSLY, and you too will be beautiful. Follow the directions, and you will lose weight, have a sexy figure, and their wallets will be filled to overflowing. Expensive personal trainer not included.
But the key word is religiously. Bound by the rules, they put forth, these Pharisees of weight loss will have you tied in knots, not only physically, but mentally too when you fail. Religion binds, the spirit gives life. How many Jenny Craig types were there when Jesus fed the 5000? No calorie content or carb counters signs there when He fed them. If you really want to get in shape, fall in love. Did you fall in love with your spouse over a set of rules? Or was your heart touched, and no matter how she looked you felt something, and when she wanted to please you more, she lost weight, dyed her hair, or started bathing because she loved you back. No rules made her love you, and no more rules can make her love you more. Works with God too, we cannot make Him love us more. It is the spirit-which gives life, not the law which brings death and diets.
When you first started riding, was it under a set of rules, or was it because it was fun? I remember when we used to ride for fun only-now we are told via commercials, racers, banners, stickers, hats, and t-shirts how we must ride that certain model or not look cool. We won't end up on a podium finish, or we won't have the power to tow a trailer, plow the north forty, or take our overweight wife along. More rules to live by, I only hope that Marie Osmond doesn't ride. YUK! But no matter where you look, someone wants to add more rules to eliminate the fun. To run your life, because they know best. To keep you safe. Bound and under their control. Did you know that when John Lennon was shot and killed, over 80 existing gun laws were broken? Would one more have kept him alive? Maybe 10? If only his murderer had known about them-hey that's it, education is the answer....let's make murder illegal, more classes, with no class. Your rules are wearing me out, I gotta go riding. You keep your rules, and I'll keep my morals-funny you don't need rules if you have morals? Maybe we should make that a rule!
To paraphrase Jesus, "it is easier to live in the spirit than to live under a set of laws. Or for a rich man to go through the eye of a needle." Laws don't make you better, or save you either. Only in the spirit do you find life. And when Jesus referred to the rich man and the camel and the needle, He meant impossible without the spirit. You cannot legislate morality, or salvation either. Without a change of heart, their will be no change of action. Laws don't change people's hearts, only Jesus does. Although the Ten Commandments are a great way to live, their is no salvation in them, no forgiveness. And even if you decide to follow them, who planted that idea in your mind to start with? The spirit! So be guided by the spirit, instead of the law. This may be the most important point Jesus was trying to make to the crowd when He told this story...the spirit gives life, and without it, it is impossible to be saved! No spirit=death. Living in the spirit=life. Simple enough. Simpler than trying to stay within the boundaries of rules and regulations. Still not convinced, tonight give your spouse a set of rules that you think will make her look, feel, and behave better. Then duck. And maybe this will help you lose weight, as you probably will miss dinner, as her new rule is make it yourself!
Please if you would, give me one case where the law added life and didn't rob you of freedom? Give me one example where the Holy Spirit didn't bring life when followed? What rule did God give to His only son? Love! Not rules, but love.
So today stick it to the Pharisees of weight loss, hair style, trends, and fashion. Be yourself...in the spirit! And enjoy the freedom found in Jesus. No needles, no camels, and no more rules...no more weight loss fiascoes either. And start by reading your Bible every day. Not following a plan, but because you want to. No schedule to fall behind of and quit, and then get bummed out because you resolved to do it-let God guide you this year. Watch the Word come alive, as the spirit lives in you. You say you want a resolution...make this year all about Jesus! RESULTS GUARANTEED!
Or you can have you sin and ridiculous laws back. Any takers?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com