FUN FACT:

Did you know that “Rules of Engagement” is not just a TV show about a married couple trying to find their way through life together?  The Rules of Engagement is defined as a directive issued by a military authority specifying the circumstances and limitations under which forces will engage in combat with the enemy.

IN THE WORKPLACE:

Rules of engagement are also guidelines that dictate how employees should interact with one another. There are many ways to create rules of engagement, but it’s essential to make sure they are clear and concise. They cover everything from communication to conflict resolution and attempt to keep everyone fully informed of expectations.  Some companies create rules of engagement that are specific to their industry, while others opt for more general guidelines. Either way, it’s vital to make sure that all employees are aware of the rules and that they understand them.

OUR RELATIONSHIPS:

Rules of engagement can apply to relationships, as well. Rules of engagement in a relationship are a set of guidelines that dictate how the couple should interact with each other. These rules might cover communication styles, conflict resolution, appropriate behavior or parenting issues. These rules aren’t meant to stifle a relationship but to help it grow in a healthy and productive way. They should apply to both partners and be thoughtful and clear.  Creating rules of engagement is a way to promote a healthy and positive relationship. They ensure that both partners know how they are expected to behave.

JESUS: 

Do what God says when He says to do it. 

Do good—avoid evil. (The real Enemy is not flesh and blood, but Satan who tries to disarm and destroy all that God has created.)

May the love of God lead us.

Mark 2, The Message

Doing Good on the Sabbath

^1-3 Then he went back in the meeting place where he found a man with a crippled hand. The Pharisees had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath violation. He said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.”

⁴ Then he spoke to the people: “What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” No one said a word.

^5-6 He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out—it was as good as new! The Pharisees got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with Herod’s followers and ruin him.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

• When a person needs help, help.
• When others are falling, help them to their feet.
• When people need Jesus, point the way to Him.  If necessary, use your words.
• No matter what day of the week, time, or place, if God says help—help.
• We don’t need to form a committee to decide to help.

These are some of the “rules of engagement” as we follow God’s command to love Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls and to love others like He loves us—without conditions.  (See also the other Eight of the Ten, Exodus 20)

NEED MORE PROOF?  LET’S TAKE A QUICK WALK THROUGH GOD’S WORD…

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

“Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.”  Hebrews 13:16

“This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you.” John 15:12

“Give to those who ask, and don’t refuse those who wish to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42

“Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them.” Proverbs 19:17

“Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home.” Romans 12:13

“In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.” Proverbs 3:27

“Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.” Philippians 2:4

“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’” Matthew 25:44-45

“The crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ He answered, ‘Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.'” Luke 3:10-11

“My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. What if one of you said, ‘Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!?’ What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.” James 2:14-17

“God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people.”  Hebrews 6:10

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment.” Matthew 10:8 (So maybe you can’t literally raise the dead. But what this verse is really saying is that if you’ve lived a life filled with blessings, you have a duty to extend that love to others. You’ve been fortunate enough to have help from God and likely from people in your community; now it’s time to give back.)

“Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11

“Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

“Don’t just watch your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fall down in the road and do nothing about it. You must help your fellow Israelite get the animal up again.” Deuteronomy 22:4

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion — packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing — will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.” Luke 6:38

“But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help — how can the love of God dwell in a person like that?” 1 John 3:17

“Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Make for yourselves wallets that don’t wear out — a treasure in heaven that never runs out. No thief comes near there, and no moth destroys.”  Luke 12:33

“In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way we remember the Lord Jesus’ words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35

“So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”  Ephesians 4:32

Lord,

Thank you for taking our thoughts much deeper than this personal story of a man who You saw needed help—on the Sabbath—and you helped by healing the man and changing his life.  You challenged the rules of the Pharisees but fulfilled the Law of God and our Father’s intentions and meanings.

The implications go deeper still as you teach and remind us to be helpers in our world of daily living.  Yes, helping is healthy in all ways.  It’s one on one or to a group.  It’s showing your love to others while pointing the way back to you.  Thank you for the opportunities to be your hands and feet, helping without thinking of anyone but You, as we strive to become more like you in all we think, say or do.

In Jesus Name, Amen