Don’t Add or Subtract
by Tanya Person
When I read today’s scripture, it really hit me how prone we are, as human beings, to add to, or subtract from, what God tells us to do. God told the Israelites certain foods to avoid, and the rabbis added more rules for kosher eating. What about us? What has God told us to do or not do and we have added extra rules to it? This is adding to what God said and makes it more burdensome.
Or maybe we take away from what God tells us to do. We can so easily be tempted to question, “Did God really say that?” Or “Is that really what He meant?” This kind of questioning leads us further from what God told us to do and can make us water down what He has told us to say and subtract from what He has told us to do.
Jesus said that his yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Therefore, if we are feeling a heavy burden, let’s ask ourselves if we are adding to what God told us. But let’s make sure that we are also not taking away from what He has told us to do.
I feel the Lord encouraging us today, “Just obey.” It is simple, but not easy. You may like to join me in praying the following prayer.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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