We live in a world that prides itself in its subjectivism and relativism. There are no hard-and-fast rules. There are no absolutes truths. There are no black-and-white decisions. Every individual gets to freely choose his path and do whatever he deems to be acceptable and appropriate. No one has the right to say what is right and what is wrong. No one can tell you to do anything.
In a series of illustrations, God taught through Paul that Christians must “please Him,” be “hard-working,” and (are you ready for this?) live “according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:3-6). Rules? Doesn’t God know that “rules” is a negative word that generates negative reactions in people? But, watch out! He says it again in Galatians 6:16 – “And as many as walk according to this rule” (as Jesus’ new creation). And, wouldn’t you know it, God wasn’t finished. He emphasized this one in triplicate. “Let us walk by the same rule” (Phil. 3:16).
God has rules! The wise man will hear them and do them! Read Matthew 7:21-27.