I am from the old school. To be a player you must act a certain way, dress appropriately, use proper manners, and play by the rules. Even if you do all this the current players have the right and obligation to determine if you “qualify” and are “up to the standards” of the game and actually let you in. Life is about conforming to the rules and enjoying the privilege of participating.
I doubt that my parents realized what they were passing on. Their parents and generations before them established the rules and the role of players. However, every generation asks keeps asking the same question; “is it right”?
I now believe we were, and are, wrong in our view. We are all players regardless of the way we act, dress, manners we use or do not know of, or what rules we use live life. The facts are clear and unequivocal. “God sets right all who welcome his action and enter into it, both those who follow our religious system and those who have never heard of our religion.” (Romans 3.30)
Where does this leave us? Usually the “buts” now enter the equation! We find out all the catches and hooks use to force us into a game we never wanted to play. I do not think so!
God knows our every weakness, dream, and need. God understands exactly us with an exactness and completeness that strips away all pretensions. God has chosen us as his special friends – you and I, individuals who God wants to build a relationship with that will last forever! There are no catches, hooks, or barbs other than to say He will take on our burdens, challenges, and headaches while we begin to enjoy peace and happiness here and now.
What should we do and how should we react to those who want to force us into old boxes. Give them God’s same grace and acceptance. God takes care of their issues just as he takes care of ours. We can find everything we need in God and the Cross.
