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The fourth command focuses on the principle that God has a right
to our undivided attention - times when we set aside the concerns and
interests of daily activities and focus exclusively on God and who he
is. Under the Old Covenant, a specific day of the week (Saturday) was
set aside for this purpose. Under the New Covenant, a specific day is
not designated - though most non-Jewish Christians have traditionally
chosen Sunday, in memory of Jesus' resurrection.
There are instances in which a person's schedule may be totally out
of his control - especially in countries in which Christians are
imprisoned or enslaved for their faith. Yet a genuine follower of Jesus
will still attempt to have times when he focuses his attention
more directly on God, even if
it is only short times scattered throughout the week.
A common misunderstanding is the idea that we are "free" to do as we
please the rest of the week. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The issue of the fourth commandment involves times in which we focus our
attention on God and his worth. The rest of the week, we still have
an obligation to live in a way that expresses devotion to God, but it is within the context of "daily life."
There is no day of the week in which we can choose to ignore God. Every
activity we do - even eating and drinking - is to be done in a way that honors God. If it cannot be
done in that manner, then it is not a legitimate activity any day
of the week.
Glorifying God in All of Life |
People tend to "compartmentalize" life into
a "sacred" section (where God belongs) and a
"secular" section (where God isn't really a factor). God,
on the other hand, doesn't divide life this way. We are to do all things
in a way that brings honor and glory to him - and if we don't, we are
sinning against God.
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An example of trying to apply this principle during the week:
"Writing a 'Mission Statement' for the Workplace"
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Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - a Study Guide |
This short study of the passage in Deuteronomy
includes a few comments about certain aspects of the passage, as well
as an extensive list of questions for application of the principles
in one's life. |
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Two articles are recommended as supplemental for
better understanding of this passage: "Glorifying God in All of Life" (described above) and
"The
Training of Children." |
Loving God With Our Minds |
This is an overview of the topic. The verses examined show us our obligation, how sin
prevents us from fulfilling our obligation, and what we need to do
about it. [Note that the Bible's definition of "love for God"
involves the total person (see Mark 12:30), not just some nebulous undefined emotion.]
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"I Hate English Class" |
Perhaps there is some other class or activity that you
"hate" (or strongly dislike). But for me it was English
class. Yet I discovered that: 1) I could take English class in a way
that would bring glory to God, and 2) God could use anything (even
English class) to accomplish good in my life!
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The Bible says...
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
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