We returned a few days ago from a visit with our youngest daughter and her family in Dallas. Every time we go, we find ourselves very sad leaving them behind, as we have to head home; especially Jake, Josh, and little Lila! Kelly and her husband, Robbie, made an amazing discovery in regards to Jake; following his gift at Christmas of a basketball goal. He can really play basketball- as in, he hardly misses! No one knew the talent and gifting he had until he received the goal. He loves basketball, spending hours outside practicing his shots.
In January, they signed him up for a team through their church and he was the star player. Kelly said there were only two problems. First, he did not share the ball very often. Secondly, he knew he was good – just ask him! Pride had managed to creep in in just a few short weeks of playing the game.
While there, Jake asked me to come out and play him in a game of basketball, telling me I would probably not win. I accepted the challenge. I might be old, sore, and not as coordinated as I used to be, but I could not resist the challenge! Oh my, he was good! He had hot spot after hot spot. There wasn’t a position on the driveway that he couldn’t sink the ball from, I was amazed. I hesitated to tell him how good he was, lest his head get even bigger! Plus, little Josh wanted Mimi to tell him that he was good as well. The talent and gifting of his big brother was daunting to live up to!
As we played one on one, I was told the rules of the game. I thought it very interesting that the set of rules I was given were quite different than the ones Jake was playing by. For instance, one of his hot spots was equal to the distance on the driveway from where I shot, but he got three points for his shots, and I only got only two. I was told I had to stay behind the line to shoot, yet Jake could shot from anyplace on the driveway. I was punished if I stepped over the line-either to guard his shot or to make my own shot. I was also not allowed to make a layup. I am certain the NBA players are glad Jake did not write their rule book!
An interesting thing happened every time I broke any of the rules Jake had laid down for me-he got upset, began to pout, and threatened to quit, especially if I scored! He would say to me, “Mimi that’s not fair!You broke the rules” I tried to explain that what was not fair was that we had different rules. If we were going to play, we should all have the same rules. To which Josh would reply, “Yeh, Jake. Mimi is right.” Not appreciated by Jake!
As I have reflected back on our afternoons of basketball and the rules at which I was to adhere to, I thought about the rules God has put in place for us. His rules are the same for me, for Jake, for Josh, and for each of His children. God’s rules do not change. He doesn’t make a set for me, for you, and for your neighbor. God also desires that we keep the rules He has set in place for u; they are for our good. Jake’s rules were for Jake’s good!
God does not get upset or pout when we break His rules, but he gently and lovingly reprimands us and encourages us to keep on keeping on. We always win when we abide by His rules. I lost every game with the exception of the last one, the night before we left. Victory is sweet! Jake even rejoiced with me in my victory- he probably felt sorry for Mimi and decided one win was okay! God rejoices every time we are victorious and obedient in keeping His rules; through complete and total obedience to His commands and rules, we are winners for life!
Father, your word tells me that to obey is better than sacrifice. My heart’s desire is to obey your rules, your commands. Help me to always follow and obey your word that I might be victorious. Thank you for gently and lovingly encouraging me even when I fail. I want to always be found faithful to you and to your word!
“But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments.” Psalm 103:17-18
“I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.” Exodus 20:4b
His Commandments: You shall have no other gods before me, I am the One and only – I am the Lord your God.
You shall have nothing in your life that takes my place. Absolutely no idols! I am the only One you are to worship.
Do not abuse or misuse My holy name. If you do, I as your heavenly Father will have to punish you.
On the seventh day, the day I have set apart, worship me and seek rest. I have given you six days to work and on the seventh day you are to rest, for resting is important to your well being.
Please for my sake, show honor to your earthly mother and father. I will reward you for the honor you show.
Do not lay a hand on your fellow man to harm him. Do not let your anger lead you to murder him.
Do not look on another to lust after them committing adultery which is displeasing to me.
You are not to take anything that does not belong to you, for you are to trust Me for everything.v
You are not to lie or tell an untruth about anyone.
You are not to be envious of anyone else’s belongings. Do not covet!
These are the Lord’s rules! Keep them and you will win!