I'm studying The Ten Commandments at the moment. Apparently it is also known as "The Decalogue".
What our teachers are emphasising is that God gives the Commandments out of love. We should view the Commandments in the context of God's love and a Covenant. So the Covenant emphasises relationship rather than law. Like the Israelites, God frees us from the slavery of sin and now we have to keep our part of the deal.
Interestingly, the Israelites complained in the desert about lack of water and food and seemed to even miss their days of slavery in Egypt. One speaker noted that we sinners can be like that. "Better the devil you know" for want of a better expression. We actually fear the responsibility that comes with our covenant with God. We want the gain, without the pain. We miss our sinful life perhaps?
I can relate to this. I think I avoid a close relationship with God because he will expect too much. Keeping the commandments, loving God, loving our neighbour. Its hard work if you want to do it properly. I actually got very attached to some of my sinful lifestyle choices. Addictions.
I imagine this is the same for a lot of people. We think God will expect too much of us. We think God is a party pooper, spoiling all our fun. We think God wants us to be too serious. Its all about maturity and growing up. Something that I still find elusive.
What our teachers are emphasising is that God gives the Commandments out of love. We should view the Commandments in the context of God's love and a Covenant. So the Covenant emphasises relationship rather than law. Like the Israelites, God frees us from the slavery of sin and now we have to keep our part of the deal.
Interestingly, the Israelites complained in the desert about lack of water and food and seemed to even miss their days of slavery in Egypt. One speaker noted that we sinners can be like that. "Better the devil you know" for want of a better expression. We actually fear the responsibility that comes with our covenant with God. We want the gain, without the pain. We miss our sinful life perhaps?
I can relate to this. I think I avoid a close relationship with God because he will expect too much. Keeping the commandments, loving God, loving our neighbour. Its hard work if you want to do it properly. I actually got very attached to some of my sinful lifestyle choices. Addictions.
I imagine this is the same for a lot of people. We think God will expect too much of us. We think God is a party pooper, spoiling all our fun. We think God wants us to be too serious. Its all about maturity and growing up. Something that I still find elusive.
