Religious Habits
And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed."
John 5:9-10 (ESV)
Criticizing Christ for healing someone on the Sabbath is ludicrous. God is about relationships, not rules. Therefore, the purpose of the Sabbath is to slow down and spend time with God. Rejoicing in what God is and has done is proper for that day. The accusing Jews would have benefitted from worshiping Jesus on this day rather than criticizing Him.
Often, the rules we put in place become more important than the effect we establish. We must set goals and be intentional and disciplined, yet the method is not the goal. The goal is the goal.
Intentionality is vital, yet a boatload of intentions without effective action is more of a burden than a blessing.
Our religious habits could be hindering our relationships with God and each other and should be reviewed in the context of healthy relationships. If the rules have become more important than the relationship, we have slipped into the danger zone and will not enjoy life as it was meant to be.
John 5:9-10 (ESV)
Criticizing Christ for healing someone on the Sabbath is ludicrous. God is about relationships, not rules. Therefore, the purpose of the Sabbath is to slow down and spend time with God. Rejoicing in what God is and has done is proper for that day. The accusing Jews would have benefitted from worshiping Jesus on this day rather than criticizing Him.
Often, the rules we put in place become more important than the effect we establish. We must set goals and be intentional and disciplined, yet the method is not the goal. The goal is the goal.
Intentionality is vital, yet a boatload of intentions without effective action is more of a burden than a blessing.
Our religious habits could be hindering our relationships with God and each other and should be reviewed in the context of healthy relationships. If the rules have become more important than the relationship, we have slipped into the danger zone and will not enjoy life as it was meant to be.
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