Not Restrictive But Liberating

Daily Devotions with Pastor Chuck

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From John’s first epistle we read,

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe (i.e., do) His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” (I John 5:2-3 – NASB)

Myriads of people complain that the Christian faith is nothing but a vast list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” They say, “You guys are restricted from enjoying life by all kinds of rules and regulations . . . You’re missing all the fun!” They see Christians as having this heavy burden laid upon them by a rule-making god who seems to desire that we never experience the real joys of life. It is a common response by a non-believer when presented with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the call to repent and turn to Christ for salvation.

But to the believer, “we know” don’t we, that “the commandments” of God are not restrictive but they are liberating! That’s right, “liberating!” And in being liberating they are “not burdensome.” We who are disciples of Christ find “the commandments” of God to be anything but a burden.

Before I was saved I walked to the beat of this world and its lies. I drank, I smoked, I cussed, I lied, I pursued success for personal gain only, I acted out life with the intent of satisfying self, of satisfying my cravings, my desires. Think of it brethren . . . where does drinking lead? Where does smoking lead? Where does lying lead? Where does gaining the whole world eventually lead to? Think on it. Where does this world and its pursuits and practices eventually lead us?

Think of it! Before we know it, time has passed and these cravings, these desires, these practices, take their toll and we find them weighing us down, like a great burden they crush us and in the end, prove to be anything but fulfilling.

When I, through God’s miraculous saving power, came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior, when I was born again, when I was given new eyes to see, I embraced “the commandments” of God . . . . and brethren, they set me free! Freed from the burden of sin and its destructive force, I was liberated to do what is right and what is good. In new found love for “God” and His Word I discovered His “commandments,” counseling that lead to a quality of life this world could never, ever offer. Oh, His “commandments are not burdensome,” no brethren, they are liberating!

Do you not agree . . . do you not “love God” and love His “commandments?” Do you not agree that “His commandments are not burdensome?” Such a heart is evidence of a true believer, evidence of a regenerated soul that has been set free to do what is right, set free to live life abundantly.

Have a good day brethren . . . . and as a believer in Christ, walk as one who loves Him and believes His commandments to be liberating not restrictive.