God, Commandments, and Society
When the children of Israel left Egypt, they faced nearly impossible logistical and societal challenges. The wilderness became their home and survival their primary concern. The social structure they left in Egypt was gone. That structure was embedded in a life of bondage, and some complained that they would rather be in bondage and have order than be free and have chaos.
That argument was not, and is not today, without some appeal. Always being told what to do results in a predictable and consistent outcome. You are a slave, but at least you are a content one. There is less drama because you know what is going to happen. You are never on the edge of your seat. You don’t have to worry about basic necessities because your masters need you alive and productive. Everyone is equal, and everything is gray.
Unfettered freedom, on the other hand, is messy. When left to their own devices, some people act in selfish and manipulative ways. Others may resort to nefarious means to survive. Still, others will divide into cooperative tribes to take advantage of each person’s strengths but ignore the needs of those less able. Inequalities become obvious, and hierarchies form, leaving those at the bottom less than slaves.
Societies and individuals need structure. They also need someone or something to manage things out of their control. They need someone to handle disputes, place limits on behavior, and protect property. They also need teachers and leaders capable of convincing people to behave morally and ethically.
The Israelites faced all of these challenges in a very short period of time. Moses was their leader, but he was incapable of managing the enormous challenges he faced. So a leadership system was implemented that allowed Moses to focus on foundational principles that would undergird day-to-day life.
Moses went to God because the challenges he faced were too big for him to handle. The result was the issuing of the Ten Commandments. Then laws were established based on the commandments with specific punishments that were just and capable of maintaining order and a measure of equality. Even rules regarding servitude were established to ensure that servants were not abused.
In one form or another, The Ten Commandments are the basis of virtually all successful societies. Is it the first four or the last six that provide the framework for this success? I will argue that the ones that put God at the forefront matter most. The following six promote moral and ethical behavior, but the first four provide the motivation and foundation for obedience.
The fear of God is a strong motivator, and the promises of God are an even more powerful reason to obey. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment in the law was, he took the conversation to a whole new level, stating that love for God and neighbor solve all the questions of moral behavior.
So how should we act? We place the only true God at the top of our extensive list of gods (things that occupy our thoughts and consume our time). We don’t take the name of God upon us in vain (profess to believe in God and then act otherwise). We don’t pay homage to earthly institutions, none of which have no power to redeem or offer either temporal or spiritual salvation. We maintain balance in our lives by weekly changing our focus from secular and worldly concerns to contemplation of transcendent and eternal matters. Then if we take the words of Jesus to heart, we show our love for God by loving our neighbor.
If we find ourselves wandering in the wilderness created by contention and uncertainty, turn to God, keep the commandments, and take on as much responsibility as possible. Our society will become one of safety, equal opportunity, and maximum freedom.