By Gary Miller
Living on the border of three states has its advantages. I often tell folks I get to hunt in three states and never leave home. I do, however, have to buy two nonresident licenses. And that ain’t good. Another inconvenience is keeping up with all the diverse seasons and when each start. Each of these states begin their deer season at different times. And while one may allow a muzzleloader, the others may be archery only. And then there’s the harvest limits. It’s all a small price to pay, but it is awkward at times. It’s really all about the law. I can truly understand how at times, someone can make an honest mistake. But I’m sure the game wardens are not interested in our sincerity. There are laws and it’s our job as hunters and fisherman to know them because they are the standard by which each one of us will either be innocent or guilty. Game and fish laws are not too burdensome. Each state’s requirements fit nicely into a small magazine type book, unlike for instance, our tax laws that fit nicely into a Volkswagen Beetle.
Our society is one of laws. Our relationship with God is not even though many individuals and churches have made it that way. I used to think if I did the things that I was supposed to do, and didn’t do the things I was not supposed to do, I would have a right relationship with God. I thought it was all about me “doing” things. I realized one day that there was no relationship in that. In that kind of association, I am nothing more than a person trying to keep more laws. The Bible says Jesus fulfilled the law. That means He met every requirement and then closed the book on them. His relationship with me now would be one of grace and thus freedom. I could not keep the laws, so He paid the price for my guilt, done away with the law, and set me free.
But does my freedom give me license to act any way I want to? No, but my relationship now is one of “want to” and no longer one of “ought to.” Think of it this way. If, when I got married, I gave my wife a list of rules, and said, “Honey, I love you so much and I know you love me, so I’m going to ask you to do some things. Each morning, I want you to fix my breakfast when I get up. I would like you at ten o’clock to go tell someone how great of a husband I am. I also don’t want you to have too much fun, because after all this marriage thing is serious stuff. At least three times each week I want you to come to a certain place. I’ll tell you what time I want you to be there. And please put on a happy face when you get there. I also need you to give me part of your paycheck each month as well. And by the way Honey, I love you.”
My friend, that’s not a relationship, that’s a business agreement! And perhaps the reason many have never given God a try, is because someone told them, they have to keep more laws. Jesus put it this way, “He, whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.” Free to have a real family relationship, as a son or daughter to a loving, caring, and accepting Heavenly Father.
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org. Miller can be reached via email at
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