Do you really consider all that you will receive?

   We typically look at God’s commandments as limiting.  “Thou shalt not” seems pretty limiting.  But these are the rules to live by to gain Heaven.  The rules are given as guideposts to get us to Heaven.  We can feel like we are being limited by God, or we can feel like we are being given a great opportunity at something greater than we could ever experience on Earth or even imagine.

   Just like your parents rules were not given just to see if you would obey, God’s rules are for your betterment and safety as well.  Indeed, we all know of people that have broken God’s rules and have harder lives because of it, and not just financially.  One can be financially successful and live a life more depressed and sorrowful than a poor person.

   So, let’s stop looking at all of the stuff that we do not get to do like it would somehow be good to partake in.  It not only would leave you more depressed and sorrowful, but you would condemn yourself to Hell as well.  Do you want joy?  A joy surpassing all happiness?  Follow the rules.  Do not do so just because it gets you to Heaven, but because God loved you so much to give you the rules that would give you the greatest joy in this life and the Next.

   Jesus, we know how much You love us from Your great sacrifice upon the Cross.  Help us to follow Your commandments in all things in order that we might find our greatest joy in surrendering our lives like You did.  Amen.