FROM THE PULPIT: SAFETY BELTS FOR THE SOUL

Now that Derrick Thomas has died as a result of injuries suffered in his auto accident, there is a movement to get more people to wear their safety belts (seat belts and shoulder harnesses). Of the 3 people in Thomas' vehicle, the one who was wearing safety belts essentially walked away, the other two are now dead. Nor is this an isolated incident- such scenes are replayed all too often on our highways. Draw your own conclusions, but as for me and my household, we have always worn and will continue to wear our safety belts.

But hey, this is supposed to be a religious article. Not to worry- I have a spiritual parallel for this story too!

I can remember as a child in Sunday School, in religion class, and in confirmation class, one of the constant emphases of our instruction was the 10 commandments. We learned them, memorized and recited them, discussed their meanings, and were often reminded of them. They reflect God's own character, as well as spell out His expectations for His children.

It is not as though we get to heaven by keeping all the 10 commandments, for we all sin against them daily. We are saved by God's grace, through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross as punishment for our sins, for we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Yet in our striving to keep the commandments, they serve several important functions.

One is that by living according to God's law, we may all live together in love and peace, making for a happy and wellordered society.

Secondly, (and here's the parallel to the opening story) the 10 commandments can serve as safety belts for the souls as we travel down the highway of life. When the 10 commandments become a part of our thinking, we are saved from many destructive and harmful situations.

For example, one of the commandments says, "You shall not commit adultery." I can recall a time I was sorely tempted sexually, but the commandment flashed through my mind like a neon sign. How could I explain this concious failure to God? to my family? our marriage today is a joyful one. I am sure much of the reason is because of the restraint provided by the commandment which has always helped us remain faithful to each other.

In a similar way, how many lives could be saved if we would heed the command, "You shall not murder?" How much less stressed out and more healthy and happy would we be if we followed the command, "Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy?" By living by the commandments, we are restrained from evil or negative influence, and may save our marriages, our families, our happiness, our very lives. The 10 commandments as safety belts for the soul benefits our entire existence, spirit, soul, and body.

Learn the 10 commandments, and other key sections of Holy Scripture, such as the Beatitudes, The Golden Rule, the Great Commandment, the love chapter. (See Exodus 20, Matthew 5:3-12, Matthew 7:12, Mark 12:29-31, 1 Corinthians 13). Meditate upon them. Live by them. Let them protect and guide you as safety belts for the soul.