Defending the Decalogue

Today, I want to talk about the importance of a solid foundation.   2nd Timothy chapter 2 says:
19 ....the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

We have to check up on ourselves and reflect on what our lives are built upon.  If God's Word is the central focus of our lives, if our thinking is shaped by His precepts, then we will walk through lives with a strong confidence in Him and our actions will reflect the presence of Jesus Christ within us.   If Jesus is Lord, then our lives revolve around pleasing Him and making Him famous.  If His ways are our foundation, then we grow in Him and we honor Him in all we say, think, or do.

In 1st Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul addresses the importance of having a strong foundation for our lives:
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Christianity Today is reporting that in Russia, a group of 134 Muslims, Jews, and Christians from several denominations convened this past Sunday to create the Ten Commandments Party.

At the event, Russian Orthodox Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin called for a “real moral revolution” that would bring moral values back to Russian politics. Party members hope to institute religious doctrines in Russian society, get honest people appointed to government, and fight against corruption.

And there may be some sentiment for these ideals - earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Russian Orthodox church should have more input in the country’s family life, education, and armed forces.  Last year the Russian parliament passed a bill that enforces jail terms for people who “offend religious feeling,” but has postponed putting it into effect.  The government later asked that the bill be replaced with an amendment to existing legislation that would protect faith communities.   And, Putin approved a law last fall requiring Russian public school students to take religion courses.

I don't know what's up with at least a superficial encouragement to turn to God by Russian leaders, but in the grassroots, these religious leaders forming the new party recognize how a spiritual foundation, based on the 10 Commandments, can aid a nation in peril.

It's a lesson that has defined America since its beginnings, and it's no surprise that there are some that would like to continue to acknowledge God and His laws - after all, His principles are woven into the laws of our country and contain moral concepts that are universally accepted.   

Last year in Tennessee, lawmakers approved a bill that would allow local officials to post displays of the Decalogue. After minimal debate, the measure passed the House with a vote of 93-0.   By April 2012, the General Assembly passed the measure.   In Alabama, a bill that has been characterized as making it legal to display the Ten Commandments on state property and in public schools has already passed a Senate committee - I contend that this practice is not illegal, but under a new wave of constitutional challenges, this type of legislation has been introduced.  

The Ten Commandments have stood up to court challenges recently in Kentucky and Florida.   A 6-year case in Dixie County, Florida resulted in an appeals court allowing a 10 Commandments monument to continue to stand on the courthouse steps there, turning back a challenge by a mythical "John Doe", set up by the ACLU to file a superfluous lawsuit.   And, in Mercer County, Kentucky, a Federal judge dismissed a case brought by the ACLU against a monument there.

World Net Daily founder has recently announced the launch of a dramatic new national billboard campaign featuring the Ten Commandments to help awaken believers and non-believers alike to “the wickedness and evil that abound in our country.”   The campaign kicked off this week with 11 major billboards – all in the heart of what some call “sin city,” Las Vegas.

I believe that there is a yearning of people across our land for a moral foundation.  Our nation is adrift and we need the guidance provided by Almighty God.    And, other nations, such as Russia, are sensing that a departure from God and His principles is certain to be destructive.   There's nothing magic about a monument, a billboard, or a bill, but I believe that the intent is clear - we want to acknowledge God as our source, His laws are the foundation of our civil laws, and without His presence and His wisdom, we are certainly a nation at risk.   Pray for America, and we must make sure that we as believers are following His precepts.