When you are a “rules” girl...

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. ~ Matthew 7:26-27

I am a “rules” girl.  By nature, I like to do the right thing.  I like to follow the instructions that are given to me because I like structure.  Structure provides me with a sense that I standing on firm ground.  The rules help me to make sure-footed steps because I have a reference point. Clearly communicated Instructions assure me that I can accomplish the task.  They also give me room to prepare for those steps that I will struggle with. And yes, if I am also being fully transparent, I follow the rules because I desire the reward of praise for a job well done.

However, some recent events have pointed out some attitudes and notions about rules that I need to adjust.  For starters, I need to go back to the beginning and truly reverence His word and His instructions to me.  Knowing the rules is not enough and taking them for granted can lead to callous places in my heart.

I have to consider how often I have taken the clear, precise, repeated, and often communicated instructions from the Lord for granted.  I should cherish His instructions because they are my guide post.  His instructions  are steadfast like His character.  His word  doesn’t shift from day to day.  His instructions  are not based on emotional responses or moods, but rather stand grounded in truth.   His Word is eternal and  stands firm ( Psalm 119:89). 

God has given me a fresh perspective and appreciation for His instructions. Instructions,  that if followed, allow me to stand steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord ( 1 Corinthians 15:58).  Let me stress this point.... I must follow the instructions.  Jesus tells us that the one who does not practice His instructions builds his house on sand.  He calls them foolish because their foundation is not solid.  It will shift easily with the changing tides of emotion and circumstances.  The house, their way of thinking, will not stand.  Their life will not withstand the waves of crisis that result from small or large storms the will come.

Reflecting on some of my responses to events (storms) that have pop-up in my life, I realize that my reactions  indicated a shift in me.  My footing slipped because while I may have thought I was practicing the instructions of the Lord, my foundation was faulty.  This “rules” girl was looking at the wrong set of instructions.  I have been placing too much confidence in the rules of man.  Man shifts, but God is constant and trustworthy.  I, too, at times have used the wrong building materials for my house.  Pride will not hold up in the storms, but humility and complete surrender to Christ always will.

In the words of an old hymnal, “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand.  All other ground is sinking sand.”  Father,  I thank you for the security and assurance of your Word. Forgive me for taking it for granted.  May I reverence your Word, practice your instructions and keep my feet firmly planted in You.  In Jesus name. Amen