The Ultimate Checklist

I don’t do it very often, but I actually purchased a book recently because it represents exactly what I don’t believe. It was akin to purchasing The Book of Mormon or The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. The Ultimate Checklist for Life gives us 949 “I Will’s” and “Things to Do” to help bring some extra structure and guidelines to follow in our Christian lives.

Here is a sampling: “Make a list of practical ways to serve people you do life with and then commit to those actions; reduce the numbers of worries I currently have; be diligent about getting to know God; introduce yourself to a new person in church; be aware of others who may be struggling even if they look like they have it all together; take an exercise class; listen to Scripture CD’s in the car on your way to work; list twenty things you are thankful for today; do my best and trust God for the results; the next time you find yourself getting impatient, take a time out; stay focused on, and committed to my key life goals; share my goals with God and ask Him for the wisdom and the will to achieve them; strive to develop a thankful heart; make a personal commitment to develop habits that will help you persevere in your relationship with God; chose a close friend to be a prayer and accountability partner; remember that sacrifice is not an option for one who truly loves Jesus; rate your spiritual life by giving yourself grades; serve your family rice for breakfast, lunch and supper; print BE LIKE GOD on a card and put it on your mirror, rely on God to help me help my kids manage their emotions; surround yourself with equally committed people; remain joyful despite the obstacles; rely on the Word of God and His Spirit for guidance; encourage someone who is having a rough time staying committed; know when to quit.......”

Good things indeed. As was the law that served as a guardian and protector until it had fulfilled its purpose. It kept the Israelites from a lot of bad consequences. It gave them some really good ones. It helped them to see their need. It didn’t nourish their souls. Rule-keeping has never had power to create life in us.

Whether intentional or unintentional the Christian life is often conveyed as our best disciplined effort to follow Biblical principles, to follow the rules, to meet expectations as more and more are piled on. It’s a trap as old as the Christian faith itself. "“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?”

In time our human effort to live a good Christian life becomes burdensome, and we feel so weighed down. It’s not as uncommon as we might think. I remember well being approached with the question, “Don’t you ever get tired of doing the right thing?” Yes, I do. And so will all of us, unless or until we move into an authentic relationship with the indwelling Spirit of Christ. Only then we will experience the freedom for which we have been set free.