The Rules That Set You Free
The Misunderstood Gift of Boundaries
To the world, rules feel like roadblocks. But to those who know God’s heart, they’re guardrails, given not to restrict us, but to release and guide us into our full purpose. Freedom through God’s commandments sounds a bit like a contradiction or paradox, but it’s at the heart of LIBERTY.
When we have true LIBERTY, a Life Inspired By Every Righteous Truth, Yielded, we realize God’s laws don’t box us in. They free us from the consequences of sin.
A Kindergarten Observation
A group of teachers escorted their students out to recess on the brand new playground. Excitement abounded at being the first group to try out the new slides, nets, and climbing fun. But once they reached the playground and were free to run, the kindergarteners hesitated.
See, the new playground didn’t have a fence around it. Just a wide open field all around. No boundaries. No curbs. Nothing to designate the playground’s edge. The teachers gently encouraged the children to play, and eventually, some did. But, most kept looking around instead of running freely.
The next week, the fence got installed. When those same students came outside and the teachers led the children through the gate, the children immediately took off running. They were more secure and felt more safe with the fence. And that gave them freedom without worry.
Fences and boundaries don’t always keep you from something. Sometimes, they keep something from getting to you.
My Sabbath Wake-Up Call
For years, I used to run hard, week after week without stopping. I said yes to everything and prided myself on being “busy for God.” But my body broke down. So did my spirit. In all truth, being B.U.S.Y. is nothing more than Being Under Satan’s Yolk.
If we’re too busy to REST (Release Everything, Surrender Totally) or spend time in God’s Word, or feed and nourish our spirit through time with friends, we’re not serving God. We’re fooling ourselves and serving the enemy.
During one prayer retreat, I read Exodus 20:8:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
I felt conviction. This wasn’t a suggestion. It was a command. And it was meant for my good.
I began honoring a Sabbath. This meant turning off my phone, stepping away from work, and resting. The difference was immediate. I wasn’t just physically refreshed. I was spiritually aligned.
Freedom Through God’s Commandments Is Real
God’s rules protect us. They give structure, rest, relational health, and spiritual strength. Psalm 119:45 says:
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.”
When we submit to God’s Word, we’re not giving up liberty. We’re stepping into it.
Pick up Scripture cards or card sets with Biblical commandments for life and use them as a daily reminder to help you or your family keep these boundaries front and center. These reminders lead to peace, not pressure.
Obedience That Liberates
Don’t believe the lie that God’s commandments are legalistic. They’re love letters. They’re road signs that point toward freedom.
Freedom through God’s commandments is possible when we stop fighting them and start following them. Obedience leads to joy. And joy is where true liberty begins.
