| Subject: Re: 10 Commandments |
Author:
Rachel
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Date Posted: 06:52:46 04/08/02 Mon
In reply to:
Thinker
's message, "10 Commandments" on 21:45:05 04/07/02 Sun
Interesting post from someone with the screen name of "thinker." I will take you at your screen name and share the following thoughts:
Let me start by saying that I agree with you that it would be good to post the 10 commandments in school, and that I also pray daily that our nation's heart would be turned back to God. However...
As an advanced practice nurse with a background in ER, ICU, peds, and public health, I must regretably report that familiarity with the 10 commandments is not a panacea for violence. I sure wish it were. It would significantly lower the number of children who have died in my arms. Nor does the motivation of "worship out of fear" seem to have much impact. True worship stems from joy, gratitude,
respect/honor, and intimacy, not fear of reprisal. Helping people become real worshipers only happens by building relationally with others and helping them to see how much God desires to know and love them.
Are there consequences for sin? Sure! Sin is actually an old archery term which means "missing the mark." When we sin, we miss the mark...the mark being unity with God. We punish ourselves with our sin. The reason that I fear to sin is that I fear to do anything that would separate me from the love of the Father...not because I am afraid that I will end up as a grease spot on the floor as a result of His wrath.
So often we as christians get caught in the trap of making ourselves the judges of a decaying world, when in fact we have been called to be nurses to the wounded that surround us. Non christians are simply brothers and sisters who haven't realized their adoption papers yet. Speak truth, Thinker, never stop doing that...but speak the truth in love. Nobody was ever saved by being proved wrong in an argument...rather people are saved when they see the hope of redemption and the love of the Father. We are in the business of turning minds AND hearts. And that requires a loving and compassionate approach.
Blessings on your walk,
--Rachel
P.S. I learned long ago not to argue with people about the role of women, so I won't touch that...but your comments on slavery were really off the mark and out of context.
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