Perspectives

Exodus 20:13… “You shall not murder.” (NIV) Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22… 21) “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. 22) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca, is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (NIV)

The Sixth Commandment calls to our attention that the sacredness and sanctity of human life. Murder is forbidden; however, this command is often quoted in opposition to capital punishment administered by any government. The judicial taking of life regarding punishment for crime is authorized in Exodus 21, as well as in Romans 13. On the other hand, it is seldom stressed that this command is applicable to whatever would degrade a person and deprive that person of the full and rich life it is God’s will that they should enjoy.

This brings us to an important question. What do we mean by killing? Do we mean war, capital punishment, abortion, euthanasia, or self-defense? Is this what God was speaking of in the Sixth Commandment? Is the commandment not to simply kill, a commandment not to take human life in any form and under any circumstances? And is it a commandment limited to actions alone, or is more involved? What about the attitudes and emotions behind the actions – things like hatred, jealousy, anger, greed, arrogance, and callous words? Are not these also murderous attitudes that kill? If these are part of the Sixth Commandment, we may be more guilty of killing than we realize.

Do we understand what evil lurks in our own heart? Understanding the implications of the Sixth Commandment becomes extremely important if it encompasses attitudes as well as actions. We may think that this commandment does not apply to us since we have never physically killed anyone. But if this commandment considers evil thoughts, attitudes, and intentions, then we are all in serious trouble. What are the implications of the Sixth Commandment for us?

The Sixth Commandment deals with the murderer in all of us. None of us are excluded from the range of its application. God gave it on Sinai. Jesus clarified its meaning in the Sermon on the Mount: As we consider its implications today, we may have to come face to face with things in our lives. Issues with which we are uncomfortable. But we must grapple with these issues.

Jesus opens the mind of humanity to the thoughts of sinful negative attitudes as He clarifies the meaning of the Sixth Commandment. He imposes the same judgment on the one with these attitudes as on the one who commits murder. You see, there is more than one way to kill a person.

These attitudes also kill. They destroy a person’s dignity. They destroy a person’s self-worth. They kill a person’s spirit. What we see in Jesus’ words is a definite connection between physical violence and verbal violence. I can shoot people with a gun or with my tongue. I can kill them with bullets made of lead or bullets made of words. The origin is the same. It all comes from a hateful heart. God has made people in His image. When I downgrade them by hurling hateful, abusive, demeaning, insulting, and humiliating words at them, I sin against God. I have no right to decide that some people are not worthy, or valuable? Do I have the right to crush their spirits in that way? Absolutely not! When we look at the Six Commandment from this perspective, all of us must admit we are guilty at times of violating it.

… To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done. Have a wonderful Christmas Season. Merry Christmas

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I want that peace, joy and happiness that fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen”