Do rules make you dig your heels in and mutter “Shan’t” under your breath? Yes? Then I’m not alone.

I started thinking about this as I was editing the photo, only little tweaks, and the bright idea hit me. Why not remove the barbed wire to make it a charming donkey-portrait? So I tried.

So when you look carefully at the picture, you’ll be thinking “nice bit of photoshopping” right up to the moment when you see the wire is still there. Why? Because I realised it stood for something important.

Fences are there to keep the animals IN the safety of their field. Fences also help stop potential dangers from getting into the field.

It a rule, well, two rules. Stay In; and Keep Out. The donkey benefits from both. It might fancy an expedition to find greener grass- but the road is very busy so the “rule” keeps donkeys safer. And keeping out ijits who want to feed/ride/steal Mr Donk is a good thing.

God gives us “rules” for a similar reason; to keep us from harm, and keep us from harming others. Our record of keeping the rules isn’t good. Many of us think the “Ten Suggestions” are a multi-choice test, “attempt three from ten.”

The deeper purpose of the guidance God has given is to teach us wisdom so we learn the best way to life. I do find I am more receptive to rules if I understand WHY and TRUST the rule-setter. Some of you are probably less stroppy by nature and do “Keep off the Grass” when you see the sign. Also, you never break speed limits, never have naughty thoughts, and NEVER suffer temptation. Do you recognise yourself here?

Well, I’m far from perfect. But I have learned a very important lesson. Jesus said ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31

When life is ruled by love, we only need those two rules.

Jesus also understands our struggles with human nature, and offers forgiveness, new beginnings, and NEW LIFE. This is what the Cross and Resurrection are all about. We are about to enter the season of Lent, a period of prayer and devotion leading up to Easter. (There’s a donkey in THAT story too.)

Meanwhile, remember that barbed wires fences can have painful consequences when ignored (or jumped). So keep an eye out- and keep God at the heart of life, then prove you love Him as you help and care for others.

Not a bad rule, that.