The Greatest

Sometimes, as a Christian, it feels like there are an overwhelming number of rules. And not the thou shalt not rules... excessive drinking, lying, stealing, drugs, etc. and so forth. I mean the rules that aren't really rules, but guidelines--the ones they make three point sermons on.

Be thankful always. Be an encourager. Don't get overwhelmed because you know that in all things God is working towards His Purpose, His Greatest Good. Be aware of those around you at all times. Stop. Pause. Take time out. Rest. Be holy. Respectful. Observe. Listen. Talk. Share. Be vulnerable. Be gentle: humble, teachable, submissive. How many more can you add to the list?

It overwhelms me at times.

I'm reading a book called "Cross-Cultural Connections," and while incredibly helpful, it adds so many more things onto the already-long list of things I need to be doing and be aware of and be sensitive to. The thing that kicks me is that every one of these things is true. They are good guidelines.

But they all add up.
The pile and pile and pile ontop of each other until they seem almost suffocating...

.. And then I think, "aren't they all supposed to happen naturally when we LOVE?"

How can being a Christian be so complicated and so easy all at the same time?