Devotion 

Guide Me In the Way of Your Commands

Frances Taylor 

Do we really love God's commands? For many people, the commandments have become God's "suggestions." Corporate theft has become so common it no longer rates headlines. Adultery??? It's so common many have forgotten that it's one of the "thou shalt nots" and violence in word and deed is rampant and no one seems to remember "thou shalt not kill." The media delights in leading us in the way of covetousness. After all, don't we all need fancy cars and expensive vacations? We forget God's message, echoed by Jesus, to take care of the poor while we indulge in luxury. Putting God first, refraining from cursing, keeping Holy the Sabbath, respect for authority, eliminating violence, fidelity in marriage, honesty in word and action and being satisfied with the gifts we have without envy of others, are all proscribed by the commandments but seem to have gone out of favor in today's world. It can be difficult to do the right thing when all around us say that this is old fashioned, that the commandments were meant for a different time and place. Yet, theologians of every denomination tell us that these are actually the basis for any civilized society. Perhaps, the lack of adherence to the commandments is the reason our civilization has become so less civilized! We need to get back to basics and reexamine our lives in respect to the commandments. As I began this reflection, do I really love God's law?

Prayer 

Lord, I know that I fail and I beg your forgiveness. Help me to be more attentive to your law and to live my life in ways acceptable to you. Amen.