Another quick morning - thing....

Scripture, particularly the old Testament, gets a bad rap - a lot.  Out dated moral codes of behavior and guidelines for diet and behaviors that to us today, just seem - downright bizarre.
Special rights groups love to grab on to these, to make  points just to make scripture seem ridiculous, and a lot of the time, they manage very well.

My complaint?  They miss the overwhelming point of *why* the rules were given.
Even in the New Testament - they fail to see - the larger picture.

Maybe because its so - simple - that we honestly believe that - it cant be done.

All God wanted, was for *his* people, to be easily distinguishable, from those around them.  He wanted their behaviors, *their* "cultural norm"  - their eating habits, their clothes... the very way they thought - to be so different from the world around them, that they *didn't*fit* in*.

He wanted them set apart. - To continually remember that this earth, *wasnt* home.  He doesnt want us satisfied with what we see around us.  Oh, he wants us "happy" - His goal is not to make our lives miserable, but mostly - thats left up to us, and our own personal views.  But satisfied? - Never.  He wants us continually reminded that everything at *home* is better. 

Ephesians 4

Living as Children of Light

 ¹⁷ With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. ¹⁸ Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. ¹⁹ They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. ²⁰ But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. ²¹ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
 ²⁵ So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”^[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
 ²⁸ If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. ²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
 ³⁰ And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,^[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
 ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 These days - this alone, may be enough.