Wendy Thomas Russell said, “…if we raise kids to be moral and ethical and kind and generous, then what they believe is secondary.” On August 10, 2015, Ms. Russell was interviewed on PBS Newshour. She is the author of a book entitled, Relax, It’s Just God: How and Why to Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You’re Not Religious.
Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”. Many people accept and try to follow this, the golden rule, as the correct way to live. Ms. Russell would probably agree with the golden rule as a good philosophy to live by, yet she does not believe in Jesus or God. God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments which include do not murder, do not covet, do not steal. Many people accept the Ten Commandments and try to follow these rules.
There are many philosophies for living. Achieving salvation through following a set of rules is impossible, even if the rules were established by God. Why not? Because none of us is able to keep the rules all the time. Ms. Russell correctly wants her children to be moral, ethical, kind, and generous, but the standard by which these are measured is God himself. Trying to keep a set of rules will lead to pride or fear or even despair depending on how well we think we are keeping the rules. God has a better way, reliance on Jesus.
Colossians 2:8-10
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”
This passage warns us against the philosophies and traditions of men. Rather it tells us to rely on a person, Jesus Christ. Why rely on Jesus? First, because He is God. Second, we find completion in Him. All that is lacking in us is covered by the righteousness of Jesus. Finally He is the authority above every other authority in all of creation. He promises eternal life to everyone that believes in Him. We can relax and simply live a life that pleases Him. When we fall short of what pleases Jesus, we repent and continue to live for Him. This idea is expressed by the apostle John in 1 John 1:7, “…the blood of Jesus His son cleanses us from all sins.” This assurance gives us confidence and peace with no pride, no fear, and no despair.