Lesson #6 - Don’t Take Stupid Penalties

When I was a young hockey player I didn't know the rules of the game. I just played and every once in a while the referee would blow his whistle and send one of us to the box. Years later I found myself actually knowing the rules enough to be a carded referee. The more I have become a student of the game I find that the rules don’t restrict the game they actually enhance it. Following the rules allows for a free flow of play on the ice while protecting each player during the game.   

This is exactly what God’s Word offers each one of us, the possibility of experiencing an abundant life in every area of a man or woman’s life. This is the life that Jesus offered in John 10:10; “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” He offers you and I a promise of being able to enjoy healthy relationships, a meaningful life and protection while we do.    

Therefore, the challenge in the Bible is for us to study to show ourselves approved by God. Good advice:  because a life that is best lived is one that seeks to know and obey the moral and spiritual laws that Jesus taught.  

Wise hockey players know the rules and do their best to play by them. They make those decisions before the game so they can concentrate on productivity and not be distracted by temptations to break the rules. I have found as a player and a referee that it is only when a rule is broken that you ever have to think about the rules. Actually, it is after a violation that you are often thankful for the rule because it is then we see how the misconduct has halted the play or injured a player.  

It is important to determine right now not to take “stupid penalties.”  
The bottom line is this: The rule book is not about punishment it is about protection and free and fair play. We can ignore the rules but we will only be hurting ourselves, friends and family, and in the end we will have missed out on the physical, sexual, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, and eternal protection that is only found through obedience to God’s word.  

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