Have you ever played a game not knowing all the rules?  It’s hard to do well, let alone win. Life is like that sometimes.  I’ve played the game of life not knowing what others expected of me.  It’s frustration and, usually, failure. Most of us want to do well and have other people think well of us.

While I do agree that it is important to be acceptable to folks, whose life is it anyway?  I believe in getting along and going along, but life can be untenable when lived for the approval of others.  There are many biblical injunctions toward living in harmony with people, but there are also warnings regarding obsessive adherence to the mores and attitudes of those around you.  It’s your life.

Our responsibility is to conduct lives pleasing to God.  Trying to please others can be a cat and mouse game with input received only at failure.  We never know where the boundaries are. God is not like that. He has given an instruction manual for life and  helpline availability. The Father is always standing by and never puts us on hold.

If you’re like me, sometimes you knowingly break the rules.  A few times, I’ve stepped out of bounds on purpose. If you want to stay in the game, God will forgive infractions though penalties may be incurred.  Play the game to please the Heavenly Scorekeeper. Other people are not responsible for you. It’s your life. 

You’re not going to live forever.  Take onlookers into account, but don’t live for them.  Live for God, and make the most of it. Some folks are always commencing to get ready to begin.  Don’t wait any longer. Start now. You did not exist for most of eternity, but today is your day.  It’s your life. Live while you’re alive.

Sterl