Words of

Words
of

By Dr. Jon Wilson

Playing by the Rules?

In my early exposure to Christianity, I was taught that to be a "true Christian" I had to live according to a list of rules which, I was told, would "set me apart from the world." Christianity primarily consisted of a bunch of rules—dos and don’ts. Christians don’t dance, smoke or drink or go to movies, etc.

Now, you must understand that my "early exposure" took place years ago. At that time, most sermons I heard suggested that the Christian life was set in negatives rather than positives. Being a Christian was defined as "the giving up of worldly pleasures."

One preacher I remember said, "Dancing stimulates the lust of the flesh."

Interestingly enough, the same church that condemned dancing sponsored hayrides. I’m here to tell you that there were things that went on back there in the straw that made what goes on the dance floor "mild" by comparison.

At that time, they also had a "thing" against movies.

I remember one preacher saying, "What if you’re in the movie house when the trumpet sounds and the Lord returns?" Every time I went to the movies, I was scared to death that I was going to get halfway through the movie and the "trumpet would sound" and the Lord would return and, worst of all to my young mind, I wouldn’t get to see the end of the movie.

If I mock the mentality that condemns these activities, I will fail to make my point.

I think that these same preachers, along with many other Christian spokespersons today, can raise valid questions for anyone who wants to establish a Christian lifestyle.

What I want to respond to is those who make the abandoning of such practices and other activities the essence of the Christian faith.

The truth is that you can give up smoking, chewing, drinking, dancing and going to movies and be nowhere near what is important to a Christian lifestyle.

If not doing these things made a good Christian, then my dog, Princess, is the best Christian I know—she doesn’t do any of these things.

In the days of Jesus, the Pharisees tried to outdo each other in measuring up to the "letter of the law." When Jesus reacted negatively to their lifestyle, He made it clear that the essence of godliness was not achieved in a legalistic lifestyle of "don’ts" but in a positive lifestyle that exhibits the deep joy of the abundant life.

This isn’t to suggest that we live life in a mad, panting pursuit of selfish pleasure, but we are to enjoy life in a responsible, positive manner rather than legalistically follow a list of "dos and don’ts."

The Christian life is to be "good news." It’s meant to be enjoyed, and to believers I say don’t let anyone or anything take that conviction away from you––especially not your religion.

Jesus said that He wanted His followers to allow His joy to fill their lives (John 15:11). In these trying times, we don’t need more rules, we need to trust God and enjoy the Blessings of God’s abundant life.

Jon Wilson, D. Min., lives in Calabasas and is a pastor at Canoga Park Presbyterian Church. Reach him at Jonwclergy@aol.com or call (818) 883-3510.