I don’t love the phrase, “Work Hard, Play Hard.” It might be because I like naps, and I’m not sure where those fit in. Mainly though, I think it feels as if the world is telling me that I need to “do this” or “be that” to have a fulfilling life. 

Maybe you feel like Christianity sends that same message too. Only sing music we approve of. Only watch “Christian” movies. Go to church three times a week. 

You’re not alone. About two thousand years ago, a preacher named Paul wrote to a group of believers in a city called Colossae who were hearing some man-made rules. Paul wanted to let them know that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, they were freed from rules imposed by others. “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’?” (Colossians 2:20,21).

Jesus obeyed every one of God’s standards and gives you credit for that. He took the punishment and died for all the mistakes you’ve made and sins you’ve committed. And then he defeated death, declaring that you are free from man-made regulations. 

You don’t have to work hard to get to heaven; he’s done it for you. “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).