Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
I remember when I was first introduced to the 10 Commandments back in Catholic school, even in first grade I thought it was kind of crazy to worship some wooden, stone or metal sculpture or some weirdo who called himself a god that was obviously just a man, even then the "pope" business was rather unsettling to me.
Of course being so young and impressionable especially by nuns who although they could be very kind and nurturing also scared the living you know what out of us after seeing them in action when some other kid did or said something out of line. A wooden paddle or yardstick was always close at hand to punish the guilty. They had no issue with being judgmental or executing judgment.
Also I witnessed the deadly accuracy of Sister Mary Carla's throwing arm when aiming an eraser at the forehead of an unsuspecting classmate talking out of turn, she apparently had eyes at the back of her head as she would be erasing the chalkboard and spin around 180 degrees firing a shot that usually met its target right between the eyes, you were not allowed to wipe off the chalk dust but were admonished to "keep it there for a badge of dishonor," so much for the modern philosophy of promoting a child's self esteem.
Needless to say I accepted their indoctrination without question even though the statues in the church were horrifying to me, seeing little old ladies dressed in black kissing the cold, lifeless feet of Jesus on the cross or Mary or an apostle's graven image was spooky. Solemnly praying the rosary as they emerged from the confessional booth looking like something out of Vincent Price movie, the fear of hell fire motivating them to kneel at the unmoving countenance of an image that could not see, hear or feel their touch or have empathy for their emotions.
As I grew a little older and met with more than a few devestating life experiences I knew I needed God in my life and there was no doubt in my mind I would not find Him at the neighborhood Catholic church I was led to the Seventh Day Adventists and saw they had no such images in their church, it was clean and devoid of any carved lifeless images, their idol(s) were more subtle, Ellen White, Sabbath Keeping, etc. This once again gave me pause in regard to organized religion. I left without looking back.
Fast forward 30 + years.........
Now that I found the Truths contained here at BT I was never tempted or gave any thought to idols as I was studying Ray's papers, he is a man, a man I perceive as being the recipient of the gift of teaching, profound revelations have been granted to me (and thousands of others) through his site.
As I find it easy not to be self deceived into any form of worshipping others whether they be human or wood, stone, metal or ceramic objects I have found that I am succeptable to allowing family, friends or coworkers to influence my thoughts and actions. Sometimes more concerned with "being accepted" than following what I know to be true and pure. We all want to be acknowledged, have our opinions appreciated and to feel like we are part of a bigger whole often losing sight of the most awesome thing in the Universe, being transformed from a beast into a Son or Daughter of God!
What was really being spoken of when we are commanded not to bow before other "gods?"
Deu 6:14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
OK
Then this;
Jer 16:13 Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not show you favor.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Consider this verse and it's implications;
Isa 41:23 Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.
We are gods with a small g, our families and friends and coworkers are gods with a small g, who do we seek after most often? Is it our God or our "gods?"
This following verse that Jesus spoke can seem rather harsh, but I believe it encompasses the impossibilty of following His commands through human effort, without His Spirit we cannot do anything at all, especially the greatest of all commands.
Luk 14:26 If any man come to me and hate3404 not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Whoa!
G3404
μισέω
miseō
mis-eh'-o
From a primary word μῖσος misos (hatred); to detest (especially to persecute); by extension to love less: - hate (-ful).
I am quite sure the meaning is "love less" rather than hate in this instance, but isn't that even impossible without us seeking His Spirit to guide us at all times, never, ever getting to a sense of complacency?
Any comments?
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe