Guide Post

Without the orderliness and discipline of rules in our society today, life as we know it would become much more chaotic (than it already is at times).

Your existence today is completely saturated by a standard of guidelines whether they apply to work, school, home, morality, are posted somewhere in print (or electronically), or are unspoken. (God is the ultimate guide post that leads us all in the right direction.)

By their very nature, rules imply “submission” to someone else (or a greater good). Some specific guidelines can be hard to accept at times especially by those willing to challenge the reason for their initial creation.

In certain situations, do you obey guidelines when you don’t understand them, or don’t wish to stand out from everyone else? Is that always the appropriate thing to do (in all circumstances)? Is there a right time to challenge authority ever? Do you ask for clarification?

When receiving guidance from a divine Source, it would be beneficial to keep these precepts readily available in your mind. (What have you got to lose with this free therapy session courtesy of the ultimate Life Coach/Guidance Counselor combination, your Heavenly Father and The Message)?

1.  “So what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you; mind you, don’t despise the discipline of Almighty God!” (Job 5:17) God is always confident of what He needs to do in your life.

2.  “The Blessing: if you listen obediently to the commandments of God, your God, which I command you today.

The Curse: if you don’t pay attention to the commandments of God, your God, but leave the road that I command you today, following other gods of which you know nothing.” (Deuteronomy 11:27-28)

Listening to the voice of God (in your heart) is always the smart thing to do. (The Almighty refuses to be ignored by you. Eventually, He will get your attention.)

3.  “Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the conditions of your lives, and work under the strict supervision of God.

Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?” (Hebrews 13:17) When possible always seek to be an encourager.

4.  “Wisdom is better than warheads, but one hothead can ruin the good earth.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18) A good leader knows how to carry out his duties accurately by unwavering principles (rather than ever-changing emotions).

5.  “Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace – don’t let it get away!” (Psalm 34:14) Always avoid creating chaos (of any kind).

6.  “And when two or three of you are together because of Me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” (Matthew 18:20) Your Heavenly Father is with you to give guidance in making the right decisions.

7.  “Don’t go along with a crowd in doing evil…” (Exodus 23:2) Avoid eliminating your principals just to be accepted by others. Don’t lose the person you really are inside

8.  “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is too uncomfortable.

You can be glad when that happens – skip like a lamb, if you like! For even though they don’t like it I do and all of Heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses [having] always been treated like this.” (Luke 6:22-23)

Know that if there is a time that you need to take a stand on your godly principals (in any situation) that God is right there next to you to support you.

9.  “Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent with one another.” (Ephesians 5:21) When it comes to the important guidelines of your life, try to make your preferences known in loving words and not angry insults.

*Adapted from two articles written by me on September 16^th and 23^rd of 1981, on school rules.