Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, March 22, 2017

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“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:3–6).

Context is key. Truth is paramount. God is true and every person in opposition to God is a liar. Did that get your attention?

Your Creator teaches:
Thou shalt have no other gods before me (unless the law was done away with. Then you can worship anything you want, or not).
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…(or) bow down thyself to them, nor serve them (unless the law was done away with. Then you can worship anything you want and disregard even the idea that there’s a loving God in heaven).
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (unless the law was done away with. Then you can say any foul thing to anyone, at any time. There’s no such thing as inappropriate or vulgar language).
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (unless the law was done away with. Then you don’t need to worry about honoring a Creator or giving Him the very best of your time and attention. You are probably the offspring of primates, single-celled organisms, or other forms of life anyway).
Honour thy father and thy mother (unless the law was done away with. Then you can dis your parents all you want. Some of them hate you anyway. Oh, and hatred is acceptable too).
Thou shalt not murder (unless the law was done away with. Then you can kill anyone at any time, especially if they upset you).
Thou shalt not commit adultery (unless the law was done away with. Then you can lust after and have sex with anyone you want. If your spouse gets upset or is hurt by it, be sure to tell them to get over it).
Thou shalt not steal (unless the law was done away with. Then there’s no such thing as stealing. If you’re stronger than whoever has something you want, just take it. It’s yours. If they resist, see number six for advice).
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (unless the law was done away with. Then there’s no such thing as false anyway. #alternatefacts).
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s (unless the law was done away with. Oh! Whom am I foolin here? Just refer to the first nine).
By the way; in case you think this is ridiculous, and that love covers everything without the need to worry about the details, do note the theme text. The Ten Commandments are an outgrowth of Holy Spirit inspired love for God and our fellow human beings.

I cannot imagine a world without God’s law because: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”...