In every spiritual discipline, rules arise to shape and focus us.
I once heard a Zen master say, "In every Zen temple you'll find good rule keepers. Their spiritual pride runs quiet and deep. They practice well."
Listen, Don't be good rule keepers. Keep your nose on the prize. Run into the arms of Jesus. If the law is perfect, and only Jesus could fulfill it; don't you think He could straighten you out a lot better than a list of rules? God changes us from the inside out.
These rules give us form and structure. They shape, but can never change our lives.
So you've got to be a little rebellious. You've got to have a little chutzpah, without being arrogant, to move through the spiritual disciplines and meet their goal. Otherwise you'll get caught up in the list of rules like a dream catcher, and never get out. And that goes for every spiritual discipline, not matter how 'perfect' it seems.
'Out goal is progress not perfection.' Leave the perfection up to God. He's done it for you. Let Him work out what he's put in you. Our spiritual disciplines are there to shorten the learning curve.
Happy Chutzpah!
