Saturday, January 2, 2010
2:19 PM | Posted by
Unknown
The nature of the word "commandment" has long eluded me. What kind of a being orders another person to "bow" before them, to love them, and to obey their every word? What kind of being could be so important to us that it would be necessary for our own health and well being to do such things?
I have always known that the basic 10 commandments are good for society, but why do they have to be commandments? That seems so arrogant and self righteous. Now, before you think what I am thinking you are thinking, let me tell you that I finally saw the light today. I have been getting closer and closer to an answer for many months, and today I think I finally see enough of the big picture to explain some things to myself.
The great commandment tells us not to put any other god before the one true God. We are to follow that up with the need to love our fellow man like we love ourselves. I tried for years to imagine God saying that with a straight face. It all seemed so totally self absorbed. Then, today, as I was holding Tayah, my newest granddaughter, I began playing out life as a parent as I remember it from my five children. What have I taught my children from day one: listen to your mom and dad, we love you more than anyone, and we only want what is best for you. And as for this love your neighbor commandment, what are we always telling our children? Play nice. Share, you have enough to spare. Be kind to that little boy, he looks lonely. Etc, etc.
The Lord tells us not to take His name in vain. How many times have I told my children, "Don't speak that way to your mother!" "Show me some respect. I am your father, you know."
The Lord says "Thou shalt not steal." We tell our children, "You break it, you buy it." If it doesn't belong to you then keep your hands off!" "Give that back to Susie, it belongs to her."
It sounds to me like the Lord's commandments and my own commandments are not all that different. I guess the apple really does not fall far from the tree.
I have always known that the basic 10 commandments are good for society, but why do they have to be commandments? That seems so arrogant and self righteous. Now, before you think what I am thinking you are thinking, let me tell you that I finally saw the light today. I have been getting closer and closer to an answer for many months, and today I think I finally see enough of the big picture to explain some things to myself.
The great commandment tells us not to put any other god before the one true God. We are to follow that up with the need to love our fellow man like we love ourselves. I tried for years to imagine God saying that with a straight face. It all seemed so totally self absorbed. Then, today, as I was holding Tayah, my newest granddaughter, I began playing out life as a parent as I remember it from my five children. What have I taught my children from day one: listen to your mom and dad, we love you more than anyone, and we only want what is best for you. And as for this love your neighbor commandment, what are we always telling our children? Play nice. Share, you have enough to spare. Be kind to that little boy, he looks lonely. Etc, etc.
The Lord tells us not to take His name in vain. How many times have I told my children, "Don't speak that way to your mother!" "Show me some respect. I am your father, you know."
The Lord says "Thou shalt not steal." We tell our children, "You break it, you buy it." If it doesn't belong to you then keep your hands off!" "Give that back to Susie, it belongs to her."
It sounds to me like the Lord's commandments and my own commandments are not all that different. I guess the apple really does not fall far from the tree.
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