Cruising Route 66
“More Than Suggestions”
“I am the LORD your God… You shall have no other gods before] me… You shall not make for yourself an image… You, shall not bow down to them or worship them… You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God… Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… Honor your father and your mother… You shall not murder… You shall not commit adultery… You shall not steal…You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor… You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…”
Exodus 20:2a, 3, 4a, 5a, 7a, 8, 12a, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17a
Welcome to Ben’s Quill!
Cruising along the other day, I passed a church and the sign out front read, “God gave us ten commandments, not ten suggestions!” I couldn’t help but wonder if we gave the “big ten” the same consideration that we give good suggestions, would it make a difference?
Take a few moments and read over the terms of God’s covenant- agreement that sets out simple and basic ethical and moral principles that apply to all those created in His image. (That by the way is you and me.) The full text is found in Exodus 20:1-17. Keep in mind that the best instruction we can get on living a healthy, happy life, could come from no one better that the One who created us.
Now put down your laptop, iPad, or cell phone, close your eyes and try to imagine what the effect would be if just one of those ten commandments were followed by everyone on this baby blue planet of ours. What would our world look like? What would be different?
What would it be like if not a single life was taken by another human being, not in the streets, on the battle fields, or within the clinics? The blood of those filled with promise would not be drained out in the cutters, those fated to lead a nation to greatness would not be returning home in a body bag, and the millions of lives destined to be builders, healers, and protectors, would not be snuffed out before their first breath.
What if the lusts of the heart were put in check? If husbands and wives actually fulfilled the commitments, they made to one another on their wedding day? What if love, faithfulness, honesty, loyalty, and devotion were more than mere causes for paperback romance novels, and Hallmark Channel movies? What if they were what God intended them to be, the foundation blocks of strong united families. Imagine the community, country and world that would make. Divorce courts would become 7-Elevens, and a third of the judges and lawyers would become short order cooks.
What if everyone with even a twinge of larceny in their heart, took a sabbatical? I believe that of the ten commandments, this one would probably change the world faster and more dramatically than any of the others. Locksmiths would be out of business, retailers would no longer raise prices to cover their loses to shoplifters, and banks could expand their foyers by removing their vaults. Eighty percent of CEO’s, Corporate lawyers, and politicians would instantly become part of the middle class, and the pens, copy paper, and office supplies would remain in the office.
The ten commandments show how concerned God is about the life of His creation. He sets a standard in family relationships, shows deep regard for human life, and gives guidance in every aspect of man’s existence, sex, property, speech and thought.
During your quiet time contemplate how the adherence to these mandates would actually affect you, and those around you, then thank God for His guidance. Remember, they’re not suggestions.
See ya next week.
Ben
