All These Rules!
AM Psalm 37:1-18 • PM Psalm 37:19-42
Exod. 20:1-21 • Col. 1:24-2:7 • Matt. 4:1-11
In today’s readings, we see so many examples of rules. The Psalmist condemns those who do not follow the rules, our Exodus reading is the account of Moses giving the people the Ten Commandments, and in his letter to the Colossians, Paul is very concerned with people not following rules in his absence. In Matthew, we hear the story of the temptation of Christ. Evil seems to know that the urge to break the rules is strong within humanity and Jesus is now an easy target in this way.
Rules are tricky. They keep us safe, give us structure, but can also be oppressive and inflexible. It can be infuriating when we perceive that someone is operating under a different set of rules than we are—ask anyone who has a younger sibling about how the rules seemed to apply differently to them. We love to condemn others who aren't following the rules—“The Rules” often being opinions we’ve decided are best for everyone.
When we want to call someone else out as a rule-breaker, I sense that what we're really concerned about is how easy it is for us to become rule-breakers ourselves.
After receiving the Ten Commandments, the people say to Moses “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” They hear a set of rules (a pretty good set, all things considered), and immediately feel fear that they have been exposed in some way. Their desire for the buffer of Moses seems rooted in their shame and embarrassment; discomfort with the fact that they probably aren’t following some of these rules as well as they could or should.
It’s easy to call out those who are doing wrong. In fact, it can even feel righteous. But perhaps instead of constantly assessing who is doing right and wrong, we might first examine ourselves and how we are moving through the world? Are our actions and responses bringing us into right relationship with God and our neighbor? Or are we allowing temptation to do its easy work on us?
Written by Emma Mitchell
When not serving the youth and families at St. Paul's as the Youth Director, Emma enjoys a good craft project, a thrifting adventure, and hanging out with her husband Dave and small menagerie of animals.