Author Trisha Davis says you’re either a rule follower or a rule breaker.
Rule followers compare themselves to others, so much so that their moral compass becomes legalism, a strict adherence to rules.
• Negatively, this can result in a superficial, performance-based faith.
• Positively, rule followers are predictable and dependable, which fosters trust and security in their relationships.
Rule breakers are creative, push boundaries, and operate comfortably in the midst of chaos.
• Negatively, their disregard for structure often leads to reckless choices, which make relationships difficult.
• Positively, rule breakers form deeper, more genuine relationships that are rooted in who people actually are rather than who they portray themselves to be on the surface.
Which trait is most ideal?
Scripture records the story of the Apostle Paul, who was the ultimate Jewish “rule follower” until a vision of Jesus transformed him into the ultimate Jewish “rule breaker.” From that moment forward, Paul shattered religious traditions to bring the gospel to the Gentile world.
On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, I’m airing a recorded message by Trisha Davis who through humor and solid biblical instruction teaches why satisfaction in life does not come from blindly sticking to the rules nor from recklessly breaking them but from choosing to follow the “Ruler” in a relationship.
True joy comes from following the Lord and His calling on our lives in the most authentic way possible. As Trisha concludes, “Rules do not change the human heart. Neither does breaking them. Relationship does.”
Listen to Trisha’s recorded message on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
Justin and Trisha Davis’ book One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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