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Answer:

The idea that Christianity is about following rules most likely comes about from a misunderstanding of what it means to follow Christ.

Often, there is an expectation on people that when they become a Christian, they will live and behave differently …and this is true, to the degree that we allow God’s Spirit to work in our hearts. However, many cultures and churches place their own expecations on how they feel a Christain should behave and act. Although their intentions might be good, the emaphsis on what should change is often misguided. Take a look at this scripture in the book of Galatians:

Galatians 5:16-18:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.”

The root of the problem is not so much the actions themselves, but more the attitude of one’s heart. We have no power within ourselves to maintain any sort of righteous living, but rather, if we are led by the Holy Spirit, we are able to resist the desires of our sinful nature.

Rather than just telling others what they can and can’t do (although at times teaching in this is needed), Christians should continually remind and encourage each other to be “led by the Spirit”. The writer of Galations later takes this idea even further by encouraging us not to provoke each other. Think about what he says here:

Galatians 5:25-26:
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Maintaining a close relationship with Jesus should remain a priority in our lives, far beyond the need to meet the expectations placed on us by others.