the importance of rules

my last blog probably made it seem that i did not appreciate the purpose paul played in the christian faith.

i didn't say paul was unimportant, just not as important as jesus.

i was a teacher for 33 years. i understand the importance of rules. rules give structure and parameters that make learning possible.

the problem is when the rules become a means unto itself. i have seen this happen many times with educators. they forget that the rules are a means to an end. they forget why they have rules. they forget that an environment conducive to learning is the ultimate goal, not inherence to all the rules. when the rules interfere with learning... and there are times and children where that will be true.... the rules have to give way to the purpose.

i actually think paul gets a bum rap from a lot of people. paul was obsessed with explaining everything to the last detail. he wanted to justify every action he made. if he seems rigid, it's because he was trying to give guidance on how to bring faith to everyday life.

just like jesus.

the overwhelming theme of paul is always grace. his preaching always taught that we don't live this life of faith in isolation, but in a community of believers. He preached god loves all and is not a respecter of rank or position. he preached that living in harmony and love with your neighbor is how we acknowledge jesus as saviour.

grace is what jesus taught.

like jesus, paul said that this faith must be worked out with actions.

jesus never talked about individual salvation. jesus talked of the kingdom of heaven where there is abundant life for all. he talked about a kingdom where the poor and oppressed were esteemed, where the rich and the religious were called to account. god's grace comes within a community. our relationship with god is demonstrated in our relationships with others.

paul was fervent in his desire to spread this message of grace. paul gave sacrificially of his life to spread the good news of jesus. he died in a prison cell. he experienced physical torment and imprisonment. he never asked to be supported but worked for his sustenance wherever he went.

the rules paul made were to guide followers into the everyday practices of following jesus. he wanted to make it possible for the message of grace to survive the eye witnesses of jesus. he knew how stories evolve and change and dilute. he wanted to make rules to keep the focus on jesus, on giving and love.

paul loved jesus. his words are not in opposition.

rules are important... but only to preserve the life of ideas that jesus brought.

rules are not the message.

grace is the message.