The older I get the more I go gently when speaking of matters of faith: not because I am less sure (indeed I am more certain than ever of God's trustworthiness) but because there is so much I thought I understood that I have learned was, at best, partial understanding.
I believe that the Law/Ten Commandments were given to protect us, not to tempt or to give us some arbitrary rule to follow to prove our willingness to blindly follow some individual's or group's teaching. Each commandment sets forth rules, that if followed, would protect the rights and well-being of all members of society. We may not like a given rule in a given circumstance, but the fact is there that if we did not murder, steal, lie, disrespect our family members, be too busy to think seriously about values and ethics, disrespect covenants made by others and ourselves and resenting what other folks have the world would be a far more fair and peaceful place. To the ancient peoples (who lived where eating unwanted infants was practice by some peoples) authoritative rules were necessary to move toward a more civilized society. This is true today, although the interpretation of the basic rules has become more complex as life has become more complex, but there are still basic tenants behaviors that support the common good.
I believe God loves all His children and longs for them to accept the blessings of His plans for them. I believe this DOES NOT give us the right to interpret in minute detail for others. I believe it DOES impose upon us each and every one the responsibility to be vigilant in striving to grow in understanding and be passionate about fulfilling our purpose of loving and tending and learning with all of God's children (which is everybody).
I believe that as far as we wander and as belligerent as we can become, we can not outrun God's love for us. God's capacity to redeem, renew, restore, rehabilitate us is all powerful, all knowing and everywhere present. I do believe that the more we are self-will-run-riot, the more difficult it is for US to conceive of a God who forgives us when we can not forgive ourselves. That is why it is SO important for all who follow the teachings of Christ to be far more passionate about sharing the Good News of God's absolute love and forgiveness than of trying to defend details that are MUCH better when gently considered among mature Christians rather than used to beat someone over the head who does not even have a relationship with Jesus. Even with Judas Iscariot Jesus was gentle and sorrowful of his choices, but we who are imperfect feel like we can rant and rave and demand and self-justify the behavior!
Most everything else I believe I can gently lay on Jesus shoulders, that I might be enlightened and led according to the blessings of the Spirit of God, and I stand ever ready to lead to new ways of loving and serving God.
Abba, Father, may it be ever so.
I believe that the Law/Ten Commandments were given to protect us, not to tempt or to give us some arbitrary rule to follow to prove our willingness to blindly follow some individual's or group's teaching. Each commandment sets forth rules, that if followed, would protect the rights and well-being of all members of society. We may not like a given rule in a given circumstance, but the fact is there that if we did not murder, steal, lie, disrespect our family members, be too busy to think seriously about values and ethics, disrespect covenants made by others and ourselves and resenting what other folks have the world would be a far more fair and peaceful place. To the ancient peoples (who lived where eating unwanted infants was practice by some peoples) authoritative rules were necessary to move toward a more civilized society. This is true today, although the interpretation of the basic rules has become more complex as life has become more complex, but there are still basic tenants behaviors that support the common good.
I believe God loves all His children and longs for them to accept the blessings of His plans for them. I believe this DOES NOT give us the right to interpret in minute detail for others. I believe it DOES impose upon us each and every one the responsibility to be vigilant in striving to grow in understanding and be passionate about fulfilling our purpose of loving and tending and learning with all of God's children (which is everybody).
I believe that as far as we wander and as belligerent as we can become, we can not outrun God's love for us. God's capacity to redeem, renew, restore, rehabilitate us is all powerful, all knowing and everywhere present. I do believe that the more we are self-will-run-riot, the more difficult it is for US to conceive of a God who forgives us when we can not forgive ourselves. That is why it is SO important for all who follow the teachings of Christ to be far more passionate about sharing the Good News of God's absolute love and forgiveness than of trying to defend details that are MUCH better when gently considered among mature Christians rather than used to beat someone over the head who does not even have a relationship with Jesus. Even with Judas Iscariot Jesus was gentle and sorrowful of his choices, but we who are imperfect feel like we can rant and rave and demand and self-justify the behavior!
Most everything else I believe I can gently lay on Jesus shoulders, that I might be enlightened and led according to the blessings of the Spirit of God, and I stand ever ready to lead to new ways of loving and serving God.
Abba, Father, may it be ever so.
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