Growing up in the North End of Dartmouth, the summertime rule was that we had to return home when the streetlights came on. It wasn’t just a rule in my house, it was the rule for all my friends too.
Rules aren’t bad things. The streetlight rule was intended to make sure everyone was safe. And I suppose, bathed and made ready for bed, so we could get up the next day, rested and ready to play.
We expect rules for all sorts of things. If they make sense, if we understand how and why they are of benefit, we usually find them easier to follow.
As people of faith we have high expectation of ourselves. On Page 555 of the BCP, at the end of the Catechism there is the framework of a Rule of life.
Every Christian man or woman should from time to time frame for himself/herself a RULE OF LIFE in accordance with the precepts of the Gospel and the faith and order of the Church; wherein he/she may consider the following:
1) The regularity of his/her attendance at public worship and especially at the holy Communion.
2) The practice of private prayer, Bible‐reading, and self‐discipline.
3) Bringing the teaching and example of Christ into his/her everyday life.
4) The boldness of his/her spoken witness to his faith in Christ.
5) His/her personal service to the Church and the community.
6) The offering of money according to his/her means for the support of the work of the Church at home and overseas.
These are the streetlights that help us find our way home to God, our creator. o
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