Rule: noun
1. a principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement, etc.: the rules of chess.
2. the code of regulations observed by a religious order or congregation: the Franciscan rule.
3. the customary or normal circumstance, occurrence, manner, practice, quality, etc.: the rule rather than the exception.
We are taught in our life as a believer that we do not have definite "do's or don'ts" we do not have rules.
However, is if a person decides to go and do one of the things that are against the suggested guidelines they are met with rebuke. If these are not rules and definite right or wrongs why is a person rebuked and told they are being disobedient?
Take the example of listening to music. We are told that certain music is grey area and not a definite yes or no. When a person decides to listen to music that is in that grey area and another believer discovers this, often they are asked if their heart is in the right place. Why would they want to tempt themselves and explore that grey area? If the accused person says they don't believe this type of music is wrong and continue to listen to it, they are told they are being disobedient and should ask for forgiveness and stop this behavior if they want to remain believing. I know of many who have gone through this very thing. One questions why it creates such a disturbance if there are no rules? Why leave things so open ended like that? Wouldn't it just be better and raise less questions if we had a list of what to do and what not to do?
If we are led by the Holy Spirit and it is one unified Body of Christ, why does the Holy Spirit not guide everyone to the same conclusions? Why did the believers in Ecuador have to be told by a minister that earrings are wrong? If they have received this one true Holy Spirit it seems as if it would have guided them to know wearing earrings is a sin if it is, in fact, a sin. If one is to argue the Holy Spirit guided that minister to tell them I would ask why the Holy Spirit did not tell them itself? It seems as if a truly powerful Spirit would speak directly to those who have received it when it dwells within them. If it is truly one Spirit and they have truly received it, it seems as though it should never have been an issue.
Why would the Holy Spirit speak differently to each of us? Why do we need so many meetings and discussions to figure out what the Holy Spirit is saying? Are some more enlightened with the Holy Spirit than others? Are some more sinful than others and clouded so that they cannot see the truth? Forgiveness washes away all sins and doubts does it not? Then why are there many who truly desire forgiveness and receive it but are still clouded and weary with doubt?
Who's guidance are we following? Is it the Holy Trinity, or is it the guidance of man? Who is it that we are we being obedient to? Are we following what is right and true, or is what we believe to be right and true only a product of our biases that have been passed down generation to generation? Do we want Truth or do we just not want to upset our nice little packaged up and tied with pretty ribbon lives?
This is the thing that makes me so crazy. Of course there are rules. It's not a rule because you call it one, it's a rule because of how it gets used. If you get told you're not supposed to do it, it's a rule. If you get in trouble (rebuked, talked to, whatever) because someone knows you did it, it's a rule. Duh. Just saying it's not a rule because you don't want to say you have rules is dumb. Who do you really think you're fooling. Really, the biggest rule is that you have to say you don't have rules, even though you do.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that border on lying?
DeleteIt seems like the only reason no one comes out an says they're rules is because they know somewhere inside themselves that it's not ok. The bible also says only God can judge. If I am remembering right, Jesus says that not even He Himself can judge.
ReplyDeleteThe whole idea behind the "rules" (and yes they very much are rules--just try to ignore them and see what happens) is thought control. You are not supposed to think for yourself and decide what to listen to, wear, watch, read etc. You aren't even supposed to necessarily check the bible, you are supposed to check in with your laestadian friends and see what they think. Which is ridiculous--this is a free country in 2013, we certainly don't need to check with anyone before we dress, read, listen. We are big kids and can handle those things on our own:-)
ReplyDelete