Why are Jesus' commands not burndensome?

[Glow]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3)

Before I go any further, first I'd like to say that I am not speaking of how one is saved. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This thread is about the outpouring of God's love on us that causes us to want to follow Him. In other words, this thread is about living the Christian life.

I have so much distress with the latter part of the above scripture. Sometimes it weighs heavily on me. I understand that the entire word of God must be taken and applied to one's life, but sometimes, when I'm struggling with a particular sin in my life, I feel that the commandments can be burdensome, at least for that moment. For instance, I am currently struggling with whether a woman of God can wear makeup/jewelry. 1 Timothy 2:9 clearly indicates that women should not wear gold, or pearls, or costly clothing. However, I see many Christian women of God, wonderful women with a great love for Christ, who wear makeup, and it causes me great confusion.

If God cannot lie, (which He cannot), then why does scripture say that His commandments are not burdensome, when they can be?

I'm curious as to everyone else's opinion on this matter.

 

[wmg819]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3". I believe the key here is "For this is the Love of God" which would indicate that the commandments are followed out of love rather than a duty. It is this love, and the desire to act in that love which lift any burden associated with keeping them. As a child loves a parent, and wants to please that parent, a child will follow rules (commandments) set by the parent giving no thought to the effort to do so.

Any burden associated with carrying out Gods comandments are purely man made. It is our own attempt to justify to our self our failed attempts at keeping His commandments. Does this failure mean we love God any less than someone who seems to easily keep Gods commandments? Nothing could be further from the truth, we all fall short at one time or another. It's what we do, how we behave when struggling with commandments and how we apply lessons learned to our spiritual growth that will over time do away with any perceived burden in connection with keeeping the commandments.

As far as the other dilema brought up in your post, 1 Timothy 2:9 was written by Paul to Timothy to address issues distracting the church in Ephesus. 1 Timothy 2 was written to address what was to be expected of both men and woman during worship. Verse 9 addresses what is expected of a woman in as far as dress and adornment was concerned. The key in this verse is "dress modestly, with decency and propriety".

At the time this verse was written very few woman would have been able to adorn themselves with gold, pearls or elaborate clothing. Anyone dressed in that manner would create more than likely create a commotion anywhere they went. In a worship setting ths would draw attention to themselves, possible even distracting the act of worship itself. Today the reverse is true, many women can afford gold, pearls and elaborate dress.

This verse reminds us that the purpose of worship is to place all attention where is belongs, on God not on ourselves or worldly items. This is expanded on in verse 10 "but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God". In other words Paul was saying that instead adorning yourself in elaborate attire, it was better to dress in a manner that did not draw attentiion, to adorn yourself with good deeds which not only keep the focus on God but bring honor to Him as well.

It does not and should not be construed that a woman that wears makeup is in anyway less faithful then one who doesn't. Dress modestly, with decency and propriety are instructions, yet they are not specific instructions. It is up to the individual to determine what it means, should however a person dress in a manner that disrupts or distracts from worshiping God, then and only then should a person be rebuked, in a manner that emmulates Gods love. The same love God has shown us we are to show each other so we do not cause a person to turn from God because of our actions.

 

[Ophel]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3)

Before I go any further, first I'd like to say that I am not speaking of how one is saved. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This thread is about the outpouring of God's love on us that causes us to want to follow Him. In other words, this thread is about living the Christian life.

I have so much distress with the latter part of the above scripture. Sometimes it weighs heavily on me. I understand that the entire word of God must be taken and applied to one's life, but sometimes, when I'm struggling with a particular sin in my life, I feel that the commandments can be burdensome, at least for that moment. For instance, I am currently struggling with whether a woman of God can wear makeup/jewelry. 1 Timothy 2:9 clearly indicates that women should not wear gold, or pearls, or costly clothing. However, I see many Christian women of God, wonderful women with a great love for Christ, who wear makeup, and it causes me great confusion.

If God cannot lie, (which He cannot), then why does scripture say that His commandments are not burdensome, when they can be?

I'm curious as to everyone else's opinion on this matter.

The examples you have given as commands are not that at all, but instructions based on the culture of the time.

In Christ, we are free people---free NOT to sin and so His commands are indeed not burdensome, as we are new creatures in Christ and our old man does not dominate us anymore, although there is a remnant of the old man that hangs around and gives us reminders at times that we are flesh beings also.

Women of God are free to dress in anything that they wish so long as they are modest in their appearance---there is nothing wrong with a woman looking her very best! God made us beautiful for a reason!

 

[Glow]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3". I believe the key here is "For this is the Love of God" which would indicate that the commandments are followed out of love rather than a duty. It is this love, and the desire to act in that love which lift any burden associated with keeping them. As a child loves a parent, and wants to please that parent, a child will follow rules (commandments) set by the parent giving no thought to the effort to do so.

Any burden associated with carrying out Gods comandments are purely man made. It is our own attempt to justify to our self our failed attempts at keeping His commandments. Does this failure mean we love God any less than someone who seems to easily keep Gods commandments? Nothing could be further from the truth, we all fall short at one time or another. It's what we do, how we behave when struggling with commandments and how we apply lessons learned to our spiritual growth that will over time do away with any perceived burden in connection with keeeping the commandments.

As far as the other dilema brought up in your post, 1 Timothy 2:9 was written by Paul to Timothy to address issues distracting the church in Ephesus. 1 Timothy 2 was written to address what was to be expected of both men and woman during worship. Verse 9 addresses what is expected of a woman in as far as dress and adornment was concerned. The key in this verse is "dress modestly, with decency and propriety".

At the time this verse was written very few woman would have been able to adorn themselves with gold, pearls or elaborate clothing. Anyone dressed in that manner would create more than likely create a commotion anywhere they went. In a worship setting ths would draw attention to themselves, possible even distracting the act of worship itself. Today the reverse is true, many women can afford gold, pearls and elaborate dress.

This verse reminds us that the purpose of worship is to place all attention where is belongs, on God not on ourselves or worldly items. This is expanded on in verse 10 "but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God". In other words Paul was saying that instead adorning yourself in elaborate attire, it was better to dress in a manner that did not draw attentiion, to adorn yourself with good deeds which not only keep the focus on God but bring honor to Him as well.

It does not and should not be construed that a woman that wears makeup is in anyway less faithful then one who doesn't. Dress modestly, with decency and propriety are instructions, yet they are not specific instructions. It is up to the individual to determine what it means, should however a person dress in a manner that disrupts or distracts from worshiping God, then and only then should a person be rebuked, in a manner that emmulates Gods love. The same love God has shown us we are to show each other so we do not cause a person to turn from God because of our actions.

Thank you. That is very helpful. I am starting to see more now "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)

Too often we seem to put rules and regulations in the Christian life about foods, drinks, clothes, rituals, and other things, when we should be focused moreso on the weightier matters of our hearts.

"...Let each be fully convinced in his own mind." (Romans 14:5b)

Of course, this is in no way a license for us to actually sin, but it does free us from the "rituals" in order to focus on the bigger matters.

 

[Glow]

The examples you have given as commands are not that at all, but instructions based on the culture of the time.

In Christ, we are free people---free NOT to sin and so His commands are indeed not burdensome, as we are new creatures in Christ and our old man does not dominate us anymore, although there is a remnant of the old man that hangs around and gives us reminders at times that we are flesh beings also.

Women of God are free to dress in anything that they wish so long as they are modest in their appearance---there is nothing wrong with a woman looking her very best! God made us beautiful for a reason!

I agree a lot with what you said about freedom. It's exactly what the Bible says. Several times when in the midst of temptation, the enemy will try and say, "You can't overcome this. It's too powerful. Just give in." But the Bible says that we are free from bondage to slavery to sin, and we are now slaves to another, Jesus Christ. When I remember this, the temptation will go away. The Word of God truly is powerful.

 

[Emiliana]

I agree that God's commands can be burdensome and often difficult to follow. I would suggest that "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" Is telling us that although these commandments may actually feel burdensome/difficult at times, if we truly love God we will still acknowledge that it shouldn't be viewed as a burden. Sometimes it's not always about following the commandments without any complaining or stress at all but more importantly understanding that we should still be willing to do it. Also, in the greater scheme of things regardless of how burdensome it may feel to carry out a commandment it's practically nothing in comparison to the possible reward you may receive, the ultimate 'reward' obviously being saved. Therefore, if you love God and show that through the way you live your life, a burden is not truly a burden but instead an opportunity.

I'm not sure if that makes any sense, it's really just me trying to put down the opinions and thoughts swimming around in my head after reading your original post.

 

[james1523]

The least burdensome commands of all are the ones we choose not to keep.

 

[DHC]

Matthew 11
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

 

[Ophel]

Matthew 11
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Yes! Jesus' commands are not burdensome because in Him we are new creatures, with Jesus living within, who helps us and raises us up as overcomers.[h=3]2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)[/h] 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3)

I have so much distress with the latter part of the above scripture. Sometimes it weighs heavily on me. I understand that the entire word of God must be taken and applied to one's life, but sometimes, when I'm struggling with a particular sin in my life, I feel that the commandments can be burdensome, at least for that moment. For instance, I am currently struggling with whether a woman of God can wear makeup/jewelry. 1 Timothy 2:9 clearly indicates that women should not wear gold, or pearls, or costly clothing. However, I see many Christian women of God, wonderful women with a great love for Christ, who wear makeup, and it causes me great confusion.

Matthew 11
28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Greetings sister @Glow

Take a further look at the verse that DHC posted and embrace it sister.....His word will never ever let you down

Come unto Me.....learn from Me.
Take all your worries and struggles regarding make-up and jewelry to the Lord, ask for His guidance in what He wants in your life.
And leave it with Him.....trusting that He will gently lead you....For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

Try not to look around you at other women, and how they are looking, what they are wearing.....
The Lord loves you.....He knows whats best for you......look to Him.
And if you keep your mind focused on the Lord.....you will have His most beautiful perfect peace....His word says so:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because He trusteth in Thee
Isaiah 26:3

Remember Glow you are a child of the King of kings, a precious redeemed soul
The Lord has set you free.....

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2

 

[brakelite]

Our whole purpose as a Christian is to be co-labourers with Christ in order to make more Christians. All of us, whether male or female, must be mindful of how we present ourselves to the world. If we are living for Christ, and living in hope of bringing people to Him through the gospel, then how we present ourselves is vital. Is our mode of dress and appearance designed to glorify God, or ourselves?

 

[ocean73]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3)

Before I go any further, first I'd like to say that I am not speaking of how one is saved. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This thread is about the outpouring of God's love on us that causes us to want to follow Him. In other words, this thread is about living the Christian life.

I have so much distress with the latter part of the above scripture. Sometimes it weighs heavily on me. I understand that the entire word of God must be taken and applied to one's life, but sometimes, when I'm struggling with a particular sin in my life, I feel that the commandments can be burdensome, at least for that moment. For instance, I am currently struggling with whether a woman of God can wear makeup/jewelry. 1 Timothy 2:9 clearly indicates that women should not wear gold, or pearls, or costly clothing. However, I see many Christian women of God, wonderful women with a great love for Christ, who wear makeup, and it causes me great confusion.

If God cannot lie, (which He cannot), then why does scripture say that His commandments are not burdensome, when they can be?

I'm curious as to everyone else's opinion on this matter.

OK, bear with me here. I started to read yr op and I was interested because I have long thought about Matt. 11, these verses:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will
find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

I think I see a tie in between them and what you posted? Maybe? So, if you don't mind me saying so, I was a little chagrined to read of your current concern with women
wearing any makeup and why you seem to believe that I Tim 2:9 forbids it and the derailment when you observe godly women wearing makeup and jewllery...(sorry...run on sentence)

Am I correct in stating you are tripping over what you see is the breaking of a law of God found in I Tim?

Here's the verse: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,

I'm not reading a command from God there ... I am understanding Paul as stating his personal preference as I have outlined in bold type. I don't think Paul is saying God
has said do not ever wear makeup or jewllery or dress nicely. I think the emphasis just might be on the OVER emphasis of a woman being OVERLY concerned with her
appearance?

I mean if women should not do anything at all, then would it not hold to reason that men should not shave or trim nose hairs?

You might want to do a little research into how men and women dressed back then and the custom of pagan women...Paul's main outreach was to Gentiles...Gentile women probably
outdid themselves in getting turned out for church or otherwise because it was accepted practice.

I don't think there is a total prohibition on makeup or jewellery. Moderation is probably acceptable.

Anyway, just my 2 and half cents worth.

I actually find the discussion on the commandments not being burdensome and the verse I quoted to be more interesting...but I don't have time just now. Perhaps another time

 

[Glow]

Greetings sister @Glow

Take a further look at the verse that DHC posted and embrace it sister.....His word will never ever let you down

Come unto Me.....learn from Me.
Take all your worries and struggles regarding make-up and jewelry to the Lord, ask for His guidance in what He wants in your life.
And leave it with Him.....trusting that He will gently lead you....For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

Try not to look around you at other women, and how they are looking, what they are wearing.....
The Lord loves you.....He knows whats best for you......look to Him.
And if you keep your mind focused on the Lord.....you will have His most beautiful perfect peace....His word says so:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Thee: because He trusteth in Thee
Isaiah 26:3

Remember Glow you are a child of the King of kings, a precious redeemed soul
The Lord has set you free.....

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2

Thank you Fragrant Grace for the helpful post. There is no condemnation for us who believe in Christ. Just knowing that I am saved and that God loves me, it makes me joyful. When I wrote this post originally, I was struggling with issues about what I could and could not do. But God has been showing me more and more that it's not about "doing things" but about our heart attitudes. Of course, we may still have struggles, but God is always faithful. He has been helping me to rely upon Him more lately, removing idols from my life, and giving me joy and peace. I just thank Him so much for it.

 

[HarpT]

I'm sorry that the moderator who deleted my posts didn't find them helpful. The original post in this thread asked for opinions on the issue. I offered mine and it was rejected. What I can reasonably say is that you will not find one instance of any memorable or important Christian activity that can be traced back to or even related to women's make-up. Mother Teresa didn't wear make-up. Now, here's an example of someone who did great works in the Lord. However, you will find no record of anything suggesting that somehow the make-up a woman was wearing helped her to carry out the Lord's will.

 

[Ophel]

Question: "Should Christian women wear make-up or jewelry?"

Answer: First Samuel 16:7b declares, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” First Timothy 2:9-10 tells us, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” Paul did not forbid women from wearing jewelry, makeup, or braided hair—rather he tells women to not let their outward appearance become more important than their inner beauty.

Peter reminds us of this spiritual fact: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight” (1 Peter 3:3-5). There is nothing wrong with wearing jewelry, makeup, or braided hair as long as it is done in a modest manner. A woman should not be so focused on her outward appearance that she neglects her inner spiritual life. The Bible focuses on the heart. If a woman is spending too much time and money on her appearance, the problem is that the woman’s priorities are wrong. Expensive jewelry and clothing are the results of the problem, not the problem itself.

Read more: Should Christian women wear make-up or jewelry?


If every Christian woman in the world for some reason rejected the natural tendency toward caring for her appearance, the Church of Jesus Christ would be rife with sallow, unkempt-looking women. There is a difference between women who pay far too much time on their appearance and those who as a rule of thumb, care for themselves on a regular basis, improving their colour and appearance without the spirit of vanity. In my opinion,. the most beautiful women in the whole wrold are strong believers in Jesus Christ, who bear the glow of Holy Spirit on their countenance and have learned to care for themselves and their appearance to the world.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

I'm sorry that the moderator who deleted my posts didn't find them helpful. The original post in this thread asked for opinions on the issue. I offered mine and it was rejected. What I can reasonably say is that you will not find one instance of any memorable or important Christian activity that can be traced back to or even related to women's make-up. Mother Teresa didn't wear make-up. Now, here's an example of someone who did great works in the Lord. However, you will find no record of anything suggesting that somehow the make-up a woman was wearing helped her to carry out the Lord's will.

Greetings @HarpT

Please read the pm that you were sent for the reasons that your posts were deleted.

We all need to look to the Lord and His word alone. He will lead and guide us in His ways showing us the paths to take in life and convicting of anything that needs to change

The original poster our dear sister Glow will find all that she needs in Jesus and His word.....and find her perfect peace in Him
For His word says so:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Thee because he trusteth in Thee
Isaiah 26:3

 

[HarpT]

We all need to look to the Lord and His word alone. He will lead and guide us in His ways showing us the paths to take in life and convicting of anything that needs to change

It just seems to me that all of you have convoluted the issue and haven't given our sister a straight answer. It is evident that she was having some anxiety about whether or not these certain things brought into question are permissible. But rather than to clear her mind of her inhibitions you have taken opportunity by her uncertainty to influence her thoughts according to your own opinions. This is common because it helps you to affirm your own reasoning and position when you can convince an indecisive person to agree.

However, if she had anxiety over this issue why would you encourage her to find a way to justify doing what has caused this in her? The solution is really quite simple: if you have any anxiety over these things, then don't do them! Problem solved! Now there's no reason to be anxious any more about it!

 

[HarpT]

"If every Christian woman in the world for some reason rejected the natural tendency toward caring for her appearance, the Church of Jesus Christ would be rife with sallow, unkempt-looking women. There is a difference between women who pay far too much time on their appearance and those who as a rule of thumb, care for themselves on a regular basis, improving their colour and appearance without the spirit of vanity. In my opinion,. the most beautiful women in the whole wrold are strong believers in Jesus Christ, who bear the glow of Holy Spirit on their countenance and have learned to care for themselves and their appearance to the world."


What I see here is a cop-out. Fact is, if you don't adorn yourself in a worldly fashion to fit in with this culture you will be ostracized and ridiculed because of it. Not wearing make-up doesn't mean that you don't take care of your self (interesting how you would try to suggest that.) You really should draw your self esteem from somewhere else other than your physical appearance (like your position with God, perhaps?) But because you don't want to suffer the reproach and rebuke of the world for appearing "unkempt" as you put it, therefore it is easier for you to go through all the societal rituals to make yourself acceptable to them in your appearance? What does this mean? Who's approval do you seek? The world's, or God's? It is just this type of acceptable theology and human reasoning that has turned the "church" lukewarm. Whatever happened to the true Christian spirit that is seeking what we can suffer for the glorification of the Gospel rather than running and hiding from persecution or adversity and conforming to this world instead?

 

[Ophel]

Sometimes people have anxiety because the devil is vexing them. Anxiety isn't from Holy Spirit. If the Lord who knows us and deals with us as individuals sees something in a woman that leans toward an inordinate love for adornment, then He will place it in the heart that she needs to curb it. However, sometimes people get themselves worked up over these matters out of a false sense of righteousness, and correctness that God hasn't placed on them, but man has.

In Christ, we are free people. We need to seek Him first, and Jesus, not being a hard taskmaster, will not be loud and domineering about these matters.

Years ago, when my dear mother was a young (and beautiful woman), women wore a lot of costume jewellery, including clip-on earrings (piercings were not popular). When my mother came to know Jesus Christ in the very early 1960's, the Lord spoke to her quietly, and said that she should refrain from wearing earrings. She never said anything about it, but quietly put her earrings away. For years I never knew why she never wore earrings until one day she said the Lord told her that she mustn't. I questioned her as to why God would tell her that and not others. she taught me then that the Lord deals with us personally, and He knows us inside and out and He knew that earrings would have been a point of vanity for her, so she agreed with Him and obeyed. The lesson here is that God says to us about particular areas, "Others may, but you may not". He knows us through and through and knows our weaknesses. What a blessing for a young, new believer to sense the Lord is taking care of us when He speaks to us gently about a thing. She grew into a giant of a believer over the years!

He speaks gently. A harsh voice is not His. His commands are not burdensome...

 

[Ophel]

What I see here is a cop-out. Fact is, if you don't adorn yourself in a worldly fashion to fit in with this culture you will be ostracized and ridiculed because of it. Not wearing make-up doesn't mean that you don't take care of your self (interesting how you would try to suggest that.) You really should draw your self esteem from somewhere else other than your physical appearance (like your position with God, perhaps?) But because you don't want to suffer the reproach and rebuke of the world for appearing "unkempt" as you put it, therefore it is easier for you to go through all the societal rituals to make yourself acceptable to them in your appearance? What does this mean? Who's approval do you seek? The world's, or God's? It is just this type of acceptable theology and human reasoning that has turned the "church" lukewarm. Whatever happened to the true Christian spirit that is seeking what we can suffer for the glorification of the Gospel rather than running and hiding from persecution or adversity and conforming to this world instead?

My approval comes from Jesus Christ. That is all I need. As for makeup and skin care---I am diligent with it because I have rosacea. Now is that enough for you? It's OK with Jesus, and it's OK with me. There is nothing lukewarm about Jesus in me. I have left legalism way behind many years ago. If you see a cop-out, you are only looking for something to criticize and judge.