No list can replace a relationship with God, but lists are divinely given signposts of what is pleasing to Him. In describing this love, Paul made a lovely list of his own: Love is patient and kind, it doesn’t rejoice in iniquity but in the truth - just four traits on his list of sixteen (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). These simple catalogs spring from the Father’s will to teach us what His love looks like, and doesn’t. Jesus and Paul taught that love is the organizing plan and goal of God’s lists all hang on it. Jesus’ Beatitudes and Paul’s fruit of the Spirit (both numbering nine, Matthew 5 and Galatians 5) sprung first to mind. I counted forty lists in the New Testament, without looking hard. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and seven deadly sins (Proverbs 6) are famous Old Testament examples, as is the lovely list of three from Micah: Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (6:8).
The most common are for ethical instruction, vice and virtue lists that condemn or commend certain behavior. If I don’t, I return with more of what we don’t need than what we do. Maybe it’s why Steph makes sure I have one when I go shopping.
I asked my daughter why she likes lists, and her instant answer was “They help me plan, organize, and recall my goals.” Wow! That’s a good list right there. Are you a list maker? I’m not, but my wife, Steph, and kids are.
