eWell November 4, 2009

"Positive Reinforcement" by Denise Mayo

Some say Christianity seems like a straightjacket. Don't have sex before marriage; don't get drunk; don't blow money on material things. Doesn't God want us to enjoy life? Why does He give us these buzzkilling rules? And how could we possibly delight in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)?!

Our delight, I believe, comes from understanding that following God's law results not in negative restraint but in positive reinforcement. God's commands don't limit or confine us in any meaningful sense. The only things the "straightjacket" cuts us off from are harm, ugliness, and sin. These "constraints" allow us to be free. And the beautiful manifestation of this positive reinforcement is three-fold (at least!): (1) an unobstructed personal relationship with God, (2) freedom to live in accordance with our purpose, and (3) spectacular blessings.

First, we delight in God's law because sin creates an obstacle between us and God. Yes, it's removable (and forgiven!). Our sins have been paid for on the cross, and as believers, we are blameless in God's eyes. But while we are disobeying, the wall of sin builds, and during that time we are separated from our Creator. When we disregard God's commands, we experience a painful and lonely distance from our Father. Obedience brings comfort: an intimate closeness with God.

Second, we delight in God's law because it enables us to fulfill our purpose. We cannot live fully in accordance with our design unless we conform to a Christ-like way of living. God created us, and He knows what our hearts need. He knows which behaviors will lead us to spiritual maturity and sanctification. Because He designed us, He knows the way we must live in order to fulfill our purpose and bear fruit. So, the rules are not to punish us or make us miserable but to guide us in a life according to our true identity as His children, made in His image. Following His commands thus unleashes the joy within us.

Finally, we delight in God's law because we long for his marvelous blessings. Scriptures tell us over and over that we will be blessed for our faith, our righteousness, and our obedience. When we obey God, He rewards us with tangible blessings, and He also blesses us with the most precious gift we can have on this earth: His presence. We obey as a response to what the Lord has done for us and because we want the spectacular blessings we receive when we follow Christ.

And so we obey and delight in the law, in order to live with minds and hearts at peace-and to be richly blessed. There ought to be no guilt in seeking this positive reinforcement. God designed it this way! He set up a system in which He blesses us for our obedience and service. Indeed, our God loves us so much that He sent his Son to suffer and die for us. Don't ever doubt that He wants more than anything to lavish blessings upon us for following Him. So, go with it. Be good and pure and Christ-like. And open your arms to embrace the gifts from God that are your reward.

Denise is a staff attorney at the Supreme Court of Florida. She earned a B.S. and B.A. from Florida State, a Masters from Stanford, and a law degree from Duke.