The "Code" vs Relational Obedience

Hi!

Still reading through my journal. I am up to 1993. I came across this today, and as I finished the project I was assigned for work, I thought I would forward it on to you. I hope it is not too dense. I am trying not to forget you, but work sometimes gets me to the place that I just don't want to spend another moment on the computer. :-(



I see two characteristics that Jesus condemned in the Pharisees:

• They had built up the traditions of men to have equal merit with Scripture, with God's law. In some cases, their tradition overruled Scripture entirely. These traditions had become accepted as law, even when they sometimes contradicted the true Law God had given to Moses.

• Their concern was strictly for outward observance of the law; they we were concerned mainly with appearances. Rather than seeking God with their whole hearts, their desire was to be "seen" keeping every law, living every religious principle, and appearing pious to all. And they were sure to hold high the standard of (self) righteousness while taking note of all those who were failing to do likewise.

Yes, it is very easy to fall into this, and "religion" encourages us to do so. First, it seems so much easier to live by a set of standards and principles or rules -- the "code" -- than it is to take the time to draw near to God and allow Him to have His way in our lives. After all, God may have some things to say about our favorite past times that we don't want to hear. We want a chance to look over the list and decide ahead of time whether or not we are willing to live with the rules.

Then, having a list of rules and regulations makes it that much easier to live just up to the minimum standard, believing God is quite pleased with us. Of course, if we slip up, we claim God's mercy and understanding. This makes our lives so much easier in a sense, all we must do is learn "the code." It doesn't matter whether it is a Scriptural mandate or a man-made obligation; in fact, the man-made commandments often take on greater weight than the Scriptural. (Thou shalt not smoke! vs Thou shalt not bear false witness! or Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.)

It is so easy to learn "the code" and so difficult to press into God Himself and to seek Him, His will, and His ways. It is much easier to conform ourselves to Christian "images" (our ideas of what a Christian should look like - right hair, right politics, right clothes, right vocabulary) than it is to live in simple relationship and obedience to God day by day. But the religious "yoke" can become unbearable if we really go after it. In fact, the religious yoke has two edges to it. It comforts and pacifies those who are content to be "good enough," while it drives to distraction those who want to fulfill every appearance of righteousness in the eyes of all their religious friends.

And, you know, while the religious yoke is sure to win admiration and applause, the one who seeks after God Himself and a relationship of obedience to Him may actually find himself misunderstood and judged false because he will not always live up to the man-made standards. He may not look "right," his political viewpoint may be perceived as antagonistic to the "Christian" worldview, and he may not have all the "Christianese" down. A true follower of Christ will not always live up to the religious code, even as Christ was condemned for healing on the Sabbath, eating with tax gatherers and sinners, and pardoning the adulteress.

(taken from my journal entry of 6/20/93)

So, I just want to encourage you. Don't settle for fitting into the Christian mold, for being good enough. Push in to know God! He has made Himself available through Christ at an unimaginable cost to Himself. He loves you and He wants you to know Him. He wants you to walk with Him day by day, learning from His Spirit and following His lead. It may not be as easy as living by a "code," but I can promise you that it will be an amazing adventure and worth the effort!

Love,
Ev