Should and Oughts

Sometimes modern Christianity encourages us to derive Christian principles, action steps, and application maxims from every lesson and every sermon. The danger is that where Jesus really only offered one command—to love—we populate the heavens with shoulds and oughts.

Similarly, in our Christian walk we face many ups and downs that are full of emotion. God gives us emotions—and like anything, they can either help or hurt. The downside of emotion is when it makes following God’s will more difficult. But if I can rest on a few simple principles and stay focused there, then I can stand on something—even if I don’t feel it or understand why I’m doing it in a given situation.

-Excerpt from The Grand Paradox by Ken Wytsma