Some behavior is a mystery...
Illustration
Some behavior is a mystery. Why do we like doing forbidden things? For some teens, it's
standard procedure. When I was young, if my mother forbade me to do something, it
piqued my curiosity. I always questioned the why. Mom constantly raised capes for me to
charge.
Preachers had long lists of forbidden things, too. In our religious group, "spot cards" (regular playing cards) were a no-no. "Flinch" and "Old Maid" were all right because they lacked those "evil spots." Ministers quoted Colossians 2:21: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!" Christians shouldn't handle and touch such evil things, said the preachers.
Here's the problem: That scripture was intended to warn us about religious folks who make rules and say to others, "Don't do this" or "Don't do that." We can make rules for ourselves, but the Lord doesn't want us binding them on others.
The biggest mystery to me is why we, as preachers, do the opposite of what Jesus advised. Consider what he said about religious leaders: "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers" (Mark 12:38-40 NIV). After reading this, do you worry about your long robe, your preference for the head tables, and your lengthy prayers?
Preachers had long lists of forbidden things, too. In our religious group, "spot cards" (regular playing cards) were a no-no. "Flinch" and "Old Maid" were all right because they lacked those "evil spots." Ministers quoted Colossians 2:21: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!" Christians shouldn't handle and touch such evil things, said the preachers.
Here's the problem: That scripture was intended to warn us about religious folks who make rules and say to others, "Don't do this" or "Don't do that." We can make rules for ourselves, but the Lord doesn't want us binding them on others.
The biggest mystery to me is why we, as preachers, do the opposite of what Jesus advised. Consider what he said about religious leaders: "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers" (Mark 12:38-40 NIV). After reading this, do you worry about your long robe, your preference for the head tables, and your lengthy prayers?
