On My Terms

Once when I was participating in a school-to-work program, I went on a tour of a factory.  The plant manager walked me around and showed me what they were doing.  The idea was to take skills used in the workplace and incorporate them into lessons in the classroom.  At one point in our discussion I asked about what he looked for in an applicant.  He said that the first thing was a high school diploma without which he wouldn't even call the applicant for an interview.  He said, "If you don't get a high school diploma, that means that you are the kind of person that makes your own rules, and I just gon't have the time for you," Some people like to make their own rules,

Some people make their own rules.  We even celebrate the attitude.  It speaks of independence and freedom and it is very enticing.  Unless you are the one dealing with someone making their own rules.  When you are left holding the bag, a few rules don't seem like such a bad idea after all.

How about this, a person who is simultaneously making their own rules and needing your help.  They dictate the terms by which you can help them.

If you come to my house, If you do it at this time, If it doesn't require much from me.., Then you can help me.  I make my own rules.

We try to set the terms.  It never works.  Salvation is about realizing that life is better when accept God's authority in out life.  That can't happen when we are making our own rules/