(ThySistas.com) In a world where neighbor is pitted against neighbor and violence erupts at every turn of events, it appears we have forgotten the basic tenets of Christian living. Just read the tragic story of a ten-year-old victim of bullycide here on this site to see that society is in great need of learning the difference between right and wrong. Are we failing our children by not teaching them about ethical and compassionate behavior? When is it okay to allow children to be so vicious without teaching them different rules to live by?
Somehow, in our attempt to be PC (politically correct) we’ve forgotten that we were left with ten (plus one) commandments to live by. In a world gone so far awry, it is more important today than
ever before to give our children a solid foundation to live by. Are we now afraid to mention our Judeo-Christian heritage in fear of being ostracized by schools and public officials? If so, it’s time to take a step back to your roots because this is how we, as parents, can play a role in reshaping our children’s future.
A Look at the Ten Commandments from a Secular Perspective
You needn’t be Christian or Jewish to appreciate the wisdom packed into these ten basic rules to live by. While you may not recognize the existence of a God, that only accounts for three of the Ten Commandments. In fact, even different denominations have a slightly different take on each of the commandments based on the translation they follow.
Even so, we wouldn’t find divorce rates as high as they are, homicide statistics through the roof, and neighbors stealing from each other because they envy what the other has. You don’t need to be a faith-filled person to understand the benefits of living under a code of ethics such as Moses left in stone.
How the One “New Commandment” Encompasses All
Written thousands of years before the death of Jesus, the Ten Commandments were the foundation of Jewish living then, as they are today. However, when questioned, Jesus of Nazareth gave His followers a new commandment. That we are to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34, NIV).
Doesn’t this one “new command” really encompass all? Would you cheat on your wife or kill your neighbor if your life was governed by love? In today’s world we seem to have misinterpreted lust for love, which leads to most of the crimes responsible for jails filled beyond capacity. Perhaps we are not doing our children any real justice by fearing retribution in proclaiming our belief in a moral code that surpasses all others.
Children learn by example, so you needn’t preach these rules. It’s up to you to live by them so that your children will understand righteous living. In a world where violence is the norm and compassion a rarity, it’s time to take back our heritage. It’s time to get back to our roots.
Staff Writer; Shawna Short