Vows We Allow.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. And become successful adults. God desires a relationship with us. To read about Him in the Word. Gather with others who are like-hearted. A walk with Jesus should not be complicated Isaiah 41:10 NIV.

A monk vowed to remain silent. He could only speak two words every ten years. The first ten were up. He approached the head monk and said, food cold. Ten more years passed, and he said hard bed. Then, ten more years later, he said, I quit! The head monk said I'm not surprised you've been complaining since you got here!

A relationship with Jesus is supposed to be easy. We proclaim Him and then become sons and daughters. But then we can complicate this. It complicates things when we make vows, attempt religious rituals, and become legalistic.

Legalists can get judgmental, while mystics get critical. We can make our relationship into a ritual. Believers need to be careful. We cannot get caught up in religious acts. Religion and rituals don't improve us. I am not saying they are wrong. That people cannot draw closer to Jesus through them. But we need to be very cautious. They do not add to our righteousness.

He is our God. God is also our Father. I didn't have children to be productive. I had them to love. To build a relationship with. To watch, grow, and become successful adults. God wants a relationship with us. To read about Him in the Word. Gather with others who are like-hearted. A walk with Jesus must not be complex. We can turn our relationship into a ritual.

Believers need to be cautious. We should not get entangled in religious acts. Religion and rituals don't enhance us. I am not saying they are wrong or that people cannot draw closer to Jesus through them. But we need to be very careful. They do not contribute to salvation.

Lead us away from the complications of life, Lord. Please help us keep life simple. Keep us in the understanding You are our Dad. We are Your children. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.