(Cartoon from www.mightymag.com)
As most people know, my church is collectively reading thru the bible this year. As we do, I am hoping that I will learn much more biblical doctrine than I know today.
To start though, I think I am struggling most with why we don't do somethings that God's word clearly says not to do or to do. Are we, as the body of Christ, watering down God's word to make us fit into the world better? Are we falling back on the excuse that says "that is old testament law and no longer applies" because we just don't want to do something?
My biggest fear is that "my religion" might be allowing me to hold to doctrine that is not biblical. If God says ALWAYS and FOREVER, then I am certain that he actually didn't mean until I say so later?
With that being said, I do understand that some laws of the Old Testament no longer apply once Christ was born and became the living sacrifice for me. Troy did a great job the other day explaining the difference between some laws are eternal and some laws were dissolved because of God's provision in other ways.
Yet....
But...
However.....
What forever laws am I neglecting because of either "not wanting to" or just "ignorance"?
I don't want to read God's word over and over and miss the point of what God is telling me. I can cling to all the encouragement the bible gives, memorize the history and the parables but if I am missing the INSTRUCTION then that is a problem.
So, for this year I am going to begin to compile a list of God's instructions. If I am not doing them for a reason, I want to know why. If it no longer applies,then I want to understand what took the place of the previous instructions. Most importantly, I want to begin to pray for the strength, the understanding and the acceptance of what I might not be ready to do. As we all know, the fact is I am a sinner and not perfect. I will fail BUT I would rather fail trying!
P.S. No this does not mean I am become legalistic or a freak. We are not going to move into a cult society. Just going to try to live life the best way I know how!
