Red Letter Blueprint: Jesus’ 52 Rules for Joy

Don't Worry About Your Circumstances: Command #29

Jesus asked this rhetorical question: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” - Luke 12:25-26
What are you worried about? If you’re like most people, it comes down to the fear of losing control. Usually, that’s wrapped up in uncertainty. You just don’t know what to expect! It is also often connected with the fear of being judged by others. But is worry always bad? I mean, doesn’t being concerned help keep us out of danger?
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jrivLvXNZcQ

Don't Value Things; Value What God Values: Command #28

One measure of freedom is how much stuff we have. Having stuff gives us freedom, right? Or does the stuff become a tyrant? Jesus said, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” - Luke 12:21 Even more radical than that is when he said, “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” - Luke 14:33
 
(I apologize for the parts of this episode where the wind disrupted the sound.)
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v8-V2cCkDNs

Repent of Your Sins and Become Like Children/Be Born Again: Command #27

Some will say, “Oh, I was born again many years ago.” Where does the Bible tell you to only be born again once? Where does it say to stop being born again? Come to Jesus like a child, try to unlearn what you know so you can hear him fresh!
Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” - Matthew 18:3
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Do to Others What You Would Have Them Do To You: Command #26

Jesus said, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 7:12 
 
Some people say, “I mostly want people to leave me alone, so I leave them alone.” But nobody says that because they’ve been loved too much. You say, “I wish people would leave me alone,” when you’re tired of being annoyed by people. So, is the best way to show God’s love to others to just refrain from annoying them? I guess that’s a start if you’ve been annoying people. But Jesus wants his followers to be more proactive than that.
 
Can you still practice the Golden Rule if you’re not near someone else? Or can you violate the Golden Rule from a distance? Do I want people talking smack about me behind my back? I have a few friends who really care about me, and I am confident that when they talk about me to other people, they’re saying positive things. That’s how I want to be to everyone.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/upRpDmYsqPI

Confront a Believer Privately, Then With Others, Then Church Leaders, Then Disassociate Yourself: Command #25

Jesus said, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” - Matthew 18:15-17
 
Holding someone accountable is different from standing in judgment of them. 
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wKH_Uyikb6Q

Don't Tempt People to Sin: Command #24

Americans like to be independent. “I determine my future, I make my own decisions, and I accept the consequences, good or bad.” The problem is that none of us lives in a bubble. Every decision we make affects other people, even the decisions we make in private. And according to Jesus, when I influence someone to make a morally bad decision, I am held to account!
Jesus said, “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” - Matthew 18:7
Are you ever tempted to compromise to win the admiration of others? Maybe a white lie to make yourself look better? Just remember that moral compromises have ripple effects that will likely affect others in ways you can’t anticipate.
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5SnGuWMYUao

Be Good to Children: Command #23

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. - ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭16
 
My friend Lisa Catania has mentored young people of all ages for may years, so I thought it would be good to pick her brain about Jesus’ command to be good to children.
 
If you work with young people, please don’t see yourself as a volunteer. A volunteer is a chaperone, someone who is easily replaced in case you back out at the last minute. Instead, see yourself as Jesus’ ambassador. 
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D04pXtZWV-o

Be Careful With Your Words: Command #22

Most of us have no idea how powerful our words are. I think it’s interesting that God created the universe by speaking it into existence. He didn’t hammer it or mold it or build it, he used his words. Of course, our words are not as powerful as God’s. But He did create us in His image.
Jesus said, “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” - Matthew 15:11 These were radical words, especially when spoken to a people who judged others largely on how strictly they kept kosher. Yet Jesus said that what comes out of your mouth is more important to God than what goes into it! So what kind of stuff comes out of your mouth?
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/33kxW_kdRpQ

Don't Force Truth on Those Who Don't Want to Hear It: Command #21

Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” - Matthew 7:6
 
In other words, the truth is too sacred to be thrown out carelessly to people who aren’t open to it.
 
Nobody wants to be your evangelism project. If you find yourself arguing about Jesus Christ, you’re doing it wrong. People often tried to start arguments with Jesus by asking tricky questions. He never stepped into those traps.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HyIuEd_nD1Y

Forgive Everyone Who Wrongs You: Command #20

Jesus said, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Matthew 6:14-15
I interviewed the pastor of Frederick Christian Fellowship Church (https://fcfchurch.com/) about this topic. His name is Randy Goldenberg, and he is my pastor. 
People have wronged you. People have caused you great pain. God wants to help you release them from their debt to you just like he released your debt to him. Forgiving someone doesn’t immediately stop the pain they caused, but relief from the pain never comes without forgiveness. Bring your broken heart to Jesus and forgive your offender.
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UJDNepXJDIg