Sometimes athletes believe that rules are a part of the game in order to make sure that nobody cheats. Other times athletes think rules are against them, preventing them from doing what is seemingly necessary. They see officials as being out to get them. Neither of these is true.

What would sports be like if there were no rules? What would a basketball game be like if we didn’t have to dribble? What if there were no fouls? What would football look like if there were no out-of-bounds lines? What if runners did not have to stay in their lanes? It would be utter chaos.

The rules of the game are in place to make sure the game runs smoothly and fairly. They are there to make sure that everything is done on the up and up. They ensure the safety of the athletes. The same is true with God’s rules in the game of life. They are in place to protect us, not to keep us from having fun. They make sure there is not mass chaos. God’s rules are what keep our world from spinning out of control. And whether we believe it or not, the rules are there for our benefit.