Roadblock or Bridge?

Jesus replied, "You're hopeless, you religion scholars! You load people down with rules and regulations, nearly breaking their backs, but never lift even a finger to help... You took the key of knowledge, but instead of unlocking doors, you locked them. You won't go in yourself, and won't let anyone else in either." (Luke 11:52)

"There are some who position themselves between you and God. There are some who suggest that the only way to get to God is through them...Jesus' message for complicated religion is to remove the middlemen..We are all brothers and sisters and have equal access to the Father." (Max Lucado, And the Angels Were Silent)

We must be careful not to be become roadblocks to people having a close and growing relationship with God. Religious rules and regulations, Sacramental hoops through which to jump, Self-appointed umpires and rules-enforcers--so distant from the heart of God and the teachings of Jesus.

The Apostle Peter described followers of Jesus like this: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

The key idea of "priesthood" is to be a bridge, a facilitator; one who helps, rather than hinders, the process of people living in intimate relationship with their Creator.

~ Father, help me today to be a bridge and not a roadblock for those who are seeking You.