The Other Things Fall Away

A wise man once made the point that we, "shouldn't worry about cussing or stealing or the 'little sins', but be concerned about your walk with God. When you're right with God, those other things fall away." I paraphrased of course, and I'm awfully sorry, Garry, if that's not what exactly what you said and if this isn't what you meant by it, but this is definitely what I heard: concern for our sins isn't a bad thing, but often we become so focused on those things that we ignore God. We forget about the thing that keeps our hands clean by worrying about the dirt. We try to pick our way through sin rather than stepping above it. Following rules isn't bad, but being consumed by them instead of by being consumed by God isn't good, either. A commitment to a rule fades much quicker than a commitment to God. And when we stop following the rules, do the rules come after us? No. When we break the law are we shown grace by whatever law enforcement? No. But here's the kicker: when we stop following God, does God come after us? Yes. When we break God's laws are we shown grace by God? Yes.

Colossians 2:20b-23 says, "...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 'Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!'? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self- denial and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires."