The Ridgell Rules are a series of practices I live by. Here are a few. No secrets from my wife. Marsha has access to every password for any communication devices. I eat no meals or engage in one-on-one conversations with the opposite sex. I keep absolutely no secrets from my wife. None. Those kinds of things.  

I developed these rules several years ago to help me live in a way that honored God. Later, I found out Billy Graham lived by similar guidelines. I also learned that when Mike Pence was the vice president, he was heavily ridiculed by the media for these same kinds of practices.

My rules are not spelled out in the Bible, though they very much reflect my understanding of Biblical principles and practices.

I find it helpful to remind myself why I live by these practices. There are three very good reasons, and I think they are reasons every Christian leader should consider when thinking through their own best practices for living.

So here are the three reasons behind my Ridgell Rules.

1. They protect me from temptation. Every Christian needs to know their spiritual weak spots. Satan sure knows them, and I want to be protected. Do not fall into temptation. Do not be led into temptation. Put up boundaries that keep you safe. Be intentional about your Jesus walk. You will develop some rules for living that are unique to your struggles and sin issues.

2. They help your flock know they are safe. If you are a Christian leader, these practices/rules ensure that your flock is safe. They are safeguards for protection. I have helped many church leaders develop safe practices so that their flock knows they are safe and protected.

3. Finally, they protect us from false accusations. ”He said, she said” issues are never good for your community of faith. Rules for living help protect you from lies.

I periodically remind myself of my rules and why I have them. I have followed them for so long that now they are second nature.

They have helped me live the way I want.  

And, more importantly, the way God wants.