Rules in Religion

"The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden." - G.K. Chesterton

Rules, laws, and certain traditions.. Religion in general happens to be such a turn-off for a lot of people. It seems to bind or chain. But I've learned to embrace the rules and religion because in it and through it, I've found freedom. Because of rules, I am safe to explore the boundaries of right and wrong. I know what I CAN do, because I know what I can't do. Because of rules, I am being freed from the bondage of irreverence. I know when I must kneel, bow, genuflect, and constantly practice humility BECAUSE I am before the presence of God. I know when I can talk, joke, or be loud because Jesus knows how to have a good time too! Obeying laws is an expression of faith, simply because we're trusting that God has given us the guidelines that will bring us closer to Him.