We continue in Proverbs 7 with the theme present in Chapters 5-7--the strange woman and how to avoid being seduced. If I was to really get into it--and I still might-- this theme is one all guys could use some help with, myself included. I would submit that it can apply just as easily to a strange man as well.
In this context, the strange woman, seems to refer to a woman who would lead one astray from the righteous path--or if not, someone who would lead a man away from his wife. I think it has meant both between these 3 chapters.
The verse itself listed above, is more of a nice guideline--keep my commandments...write them upon the table of thine heart. Whether or not you believe we are still somewhat bound to the ten commandments--more on that in a moment--one could argue that many of them are still relevant as far as a moral lifestyle is concerned.
In the Old Testament, one had to follow the commandments to the "T" or risk being outside of God's grace---there were very specific sacrifices set up in order to atone for one's sins.
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill." Christ was the final sacrifice for man's atonement. While the law is still relevant in a sense, the sacrificial offerings needed to atone were all covered by Christ's death on the cross. So the Ten commandments are still relevant in a moral sense--and Christ even elaborated on them.
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of theses least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:19
I can see potential relevance in all 10 main commandments (obviously there were many other smaller commandments given).
1. You shall have no other Gods before me- Some of us have made technology our god, or science our god. You don't have to have a golden idol to not be putting God first in your life---(Me= Guilty)
2. You shall not make any carved image or likeness of anything that is in Heaven above...-you shall not bow down to them nor serve them- I'm thinking of Hinduism, Buddhism and many other idol based religions here. It's probably not difficult for Christians to fulfill this one, as we know very well not to be worshipping objects. That being said--the Virgin Mary statues and crosses should not be worshipped, but put for remembrance if anything. Don't pray to statues or objects--seems pretty simple (Me= Not Guilty)
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain- Jesus didn't really elaborate on this, but I would say more than just the "GD" word, this is referring to blasphemy of any sort. If you want to follow God, I wouldn't be running around bad mouthing Him. And if you don't want to follow God, well you are accountable to this law provided that Christians have it right and you give your account to God someday---(Me: I've probably said GD a couple times, but would not blaspheme--though unintentionally I suppose it's always possible)
4.Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy- Out of all 10 main commandments, this would be the one that the New covenant somewhat did away with. Jesus frequently did miracles and other things on the Sabbath to prove to the Pharises and Sadducees that there following the Law to the exact letter, was not always what was best for humanity. If we still had to follow this, no Christian doctors could work on Saturday, and we'd have to save the Saturday chores for another day (Saturday was the original Sabbath from what I've read--though we chose Sunday as our day of worship). (Whole world= guilty--if we were still under this one)
5. Honor thy father and your mother- I cannot speak much to this, because despite being in a broken home, both of my parents-and even my stepparent- have been more than gracious to my brother and me. I have not really had any issue with this--minus the teenage rebellion years--and I thank them for raising me in a church environment. I have been told before that the main reason I am a Christian is because of my environment, and that not everyone has that same luxury growing up. While it is true that I was raised in the church, it wasn't until college that I developed my own views, and really searched the faith that I would claim as my own. Many of you are still experiencing that same doubt and searching. I questioned the Methodist church that I grew up in, because I was never told about salvation in a way that I understood. There just wasn't a huge emphasis on being "saved" or living for Jesus. It was God's grace that taught, yes, but that didn't translate for me until I explored on my own. And, I had philosophy classes too, lest any think that I ignored the other end of the spectrum completely. But it did not speak to me and I made my choice. Honor your parents because no matter what the relationship is with them, it is a parallel to honoring your Heavenly Father. We have all been angry at parents before--and we've all been angry at God before. Just because you are facing adversity doesn't mean He isn't still guiding your path and watching over you. It is like when a parent lets you go explore on your own. You may stumble slightly and scrape a knee, or reach too close to a stove. You sometimes experience painful things to learn to grow. Adversity is weening us of self righteous thinking and pride--teaching us humility and to trust God with all that we have--even in the hardest times. (guilty as charged sometimes)
6. You Shall not Murder- "You have heard it said by them of old time, Thou Shalt not Kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment..." Matthew 5:21-22
I think it's obvious that murder is not the best thing for our society--but Jesus elaborates and includes unwarranted anger in the mix. How many of you have been totally upset with someone for no reason? Did you remember to forgive them before praying for your own forgiveness? If not, the Bible says first be reconciled with whom you hold anger against, then come to the altar (paraphrase). (Me: Guilty--though forgiveness of people I don't always like seems to be a strong suit with me--others not so much)
7. You shall not commit adultery- "...whosoever looketh upon a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.." Matthew 5:28. While it is very clear in the Bible that marriage is sacred--due to what I've said before about the Hebrew word "Yadda" and true intimacy between a married man and woman--adultery even with the eyes is considered by Jesus to be a huge sin. Now guys, show of hands if you've ever admired the form of one of God's fairer creatures. Was it a passing glance? Or did it consume your every thought? We can't help but see attractive people in our lives (ladies included here-works both ways), it is when that passing glance turns into a lustful longing, a veritable imagination overload of fantasy scenarios that we have a problem. Even single adults need to be aware of this. Has your own Lust ever consumed your every thought and action? If you've seen pornography it has. Why else would pornography exist? To satisfy the lustful longings of humans. It is sometimes these initial lustful scenarios that can later lead to marital infidelity. I have no doubt that I will not be unfaithful in my marriage--I've learned well from others in my life. But I, like many guys, have struggled before with lustful thoughts. It's probably my number 1 deadly sin if you really want to get down to it. The blog is called Straight Shootin' after all so i'm not about to say i've never struggled with this.
This is one sin that you MUST lean to Jesus on. If left to our own devices, there is really no solid way to overcome it for good. Even the apostle Paul struggled with sin--"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not: but what I hate, that do I." Romans 7:15. Let me paraphrase for the non old english majors- (The things I don't want to do are what I do, and what I want to do, I don't do). Many guys out there do not want to be constantly bombarded with these thoughts. It's hard not to as even just turning on a TV screen can do it. You have to have to have to lean on a higher power on this one. I just don't see any other way to gain control. There will always be attractive women. If you can avoid lusting for them--congratulations-you are stronger than I (GUILTY AS CHARGED).
8. You shall not steal- This one is relevant and self-explanatory I think. Clearly within the act of theft, there are hints of envy--which pulls you into commandment 10 about not coveting your neighbors' stuff. So with this one, you seem to be breaking 2 in 1. Break one commandment and your second commandment breaking comes free. Not your best blue light special. You know if you struggle with this--trust God for deliverance (me: Not Guilty)
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor- Many have called this the commandment about lying in general, but it seems in the wording that this would apply more to a court situation--where someone would lie to condemn another who may not be guilty. Let's just say it encompasses all lies. As I've said before no type of lie is good in the sight of God. White lies, damaging lies, lies of omission, sugar-coated lies, whatever they may be--do not be someone whose tongue spits out nothing but lies. More elaboration on this in my previous post. (Guilty)
10. You shall not covet your neighbors stuff (property, wife, slave, ox, donkey, anything that is neighbors- "That guy has an iPad and I want one so bad I think i'll just steal it." "That guy has a hot wife, I wish my wife were that hot." These are 2 examples of this act of coveting what you don't have--and there is nothing great about it. This can be one of the most damaging commandments to break because it leads to so many other ones-- adultery, murder, stealing, lying, potentially could be applied to even more. Be content with what you have. God will always provide. During our toughest financial times, when we would need some money for groceries, I would always be amazed how often a little refund check, or money would come our way to fulfill our necessary needs. God will take care of His own--that's part of the full TRUST we talked about in my previous post. You don't have to worry. "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you?, O ye of little faith." Matthew 6:30. I think that covers it. (Guilty of wanting people's objects sometimes but not acting)
So why did I go from talking about adultery, into a list of ten commandments that many of you would argue are not relevant after Christ's sacrifice. I did it to point out that, whether or not these specific laws are what you find relevant, the simple fact is that "... all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God..."But, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" Romans 3:23
The point friends is that we cannot escape that truth. I had broken 8 out of 10 commandments without even trying in my lifetime. And the two that weren't broken probably could be given the right set of circumstances. I don't care how much good you are to the world, all of that good will be for not, without the grace of God and salvation through Christ. You need a sacrifice to cover you. "well I think it's just good morals but I don't believe in God so I'm not accountable." Ok, what if you're wrong? What if by some cosmic chance it turns out you don't know everything? You are going to be accountable to the Creator for what you did on this earth during your time. Christians who are saved will have a desire towards good works, but they are not saved by those works. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Good works are what keep the world functioning and we always need people to help the needy. Jesus even said take care of the least of these and you will be taking care of me (paraphrase). But that doesn't negate the fact that we are all sinners, fallen from God's glory. I didn't want it that way--I'm sure you don't either. The coolest part to me about salvation in Jesus is that I can come to him, humble and obedient, in full repentance, for the remission of my sins. And, no matter how perfect and good I think I am, I'm going to sin.
Do you need something to fill a void in your life? Do you feel guilty about certain things you do? God is calling on you to accept His free gift. There is a great peace which transcends all understanding when you are truly trying to live out God's will for your life. And make no mistake--He has a plan whether you believe in Him or not. You are responsible for what you have been given. God expects a return on His investment in your life. Will you be able to offer Him anything? Did you use your God-given abilities to further the kingdom--or did you waste them or not use them at all? These questions become relevant to all of us--and by Christ's sacrifice, even on your worst day when you fail at everything, you can call upon Him for forgiveness--and He will set your path straight once again.
"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see."
No comments:
Post a Comment