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CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 3)
Last time we looked at the first of the Ten
Commandments. Here, we’ll look at the
second commandment.
2.
Ex 20:4- : You shall not
make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the
earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall
not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous
God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth
generation of those who hate me, 6 but
showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my
commandments.
The Christian ethic of the second
commandment is that we – you and I do not come first. What we want, what we feel, what we desire
and yes, even what we need – none of this comes before God.
The character of God is that He
is holy. Who are we to attempt to lay
claim on what we want, feel, desire or need in the face of the holy God. We can pray, of course, for these things, but
we should be careful to present ourselves to God in an appropriate manner –
humbly, subservient, undeserving, subject to others, subject to the Will of God
and subject to the timing of God.
What is it that we make as an
idol for ourselves? What is it before
which we bow down? Is it power or
position? Is it our “rightful” place in
the home, or at work or at church? Is it
money, debt, a nice way of life, a retirement, a home or stylish clothes? Do we accept being last rather than first for
the sake of the kingdom?
Where do our interests lie? Comfort?
Knowledge (except for the knowledge of God)? Work? Play? All of these can be idols “in the form of
anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”
What is the danger? First, we disrespect and hate our holy God. Second, we subject ourselves to
punishment/chastisement. Third, we
subject our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to punishment –
meaning that our bad acts do not just hurt ourselves. Our bad acts will set the tone for
generations to come. This is the height
of arrogance and selfishness.
Pay attention. This is part of God’s moral law.
Next, we’ll look at the third
commandment.
Doug
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