Introduction
A right belief leads to the basis of a right foundation and it is such a foundation that makes a civilization strong. But a strong civilization would need a solid framework to hold up the superstructure which is the whole of society. This framework or structure becomes important for the right and proper functioning of society. What is the basic structure or framework that has been set in place, say in a Christian-based nation?Deu 4:5-14 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. (6) Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' (7) For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? (8) And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today? (9) "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children-- (10) how on the day that you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, 'Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.' (11) And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and gloom. (12) Then the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but saw no form; there was only a voice. (13) And he declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments, and he wrote them on two tablets of stone. (14) And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and rules, that you might do them in the land that you are going over to possess.
Pastor Daniel recommended a book called Truth and Transformation by Vishal Mangalwadi. Also here.
William Carrey is well known as a missionary from UK to India. But he is also an industrialist who introduced steam engine to India. He was also an economist, an educator, an agriculture pioneer, a crusader for women’s rights, a translator and a media leader (who brought the printing machine to India.)
The Church Framework
The foundation of trust, justice, righteousness and respect produces the framework of the Ten Commandments.Commandments 1 to 3: in relation to God
- Honouring God; no other gods, no graven image, no misuse of God’s name.
Commandment 4: in relation to ourselves
- Honouring the Sabbath.
Commandment 5: in relation to parents
- Honouring our parents.
Commandments 6 to 10: in relation to one another
- Honouring lives, relationships, property and our words,
The Christian application
The Ten Commandments has the greatest influence on western civilization and culture and provides the basis for:1. The rule of law (Deut 16:18-20)
Deu 17:18-20 "And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. (19) And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, (20) that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.
The rule of law is that no one is above the law. When there is anyone above the law, it is a dangerous the society. Everyone is equal in front of the law. The rule of law applies to all.
2. Representative government. (Ex 18:21; Rom 13:3,4)
Exo 18:21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Jethro instructed Moses to choose honest people to lead the people.
Rom 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, (4) for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
Based on the Word of God, governments are servants. The civil servants are servants of the government but servants of the public.Government is selected by us not to rule us but to serve the people and to enhance the goodness of the land.
In any country on earth, the majority in the land, the people who hold power tend to oppress the minority. That’s why the rules and laws are important.
Freedom from slavery, equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to education and rights of property are all guaranteed in the Constitution.
Good preaching is to comfort the disturbed and to disturbed those who are comfortable.
3. The work ethic. (Col 3:23-25; Pro 6:6-9)
Col 3:23-25 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (24) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (25) For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
We are doing out jobs not because of our bosses, salary or bonus. We are doing it for God. We are first and foremost a Christian then only our job.
Pro 6:6-9 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. (7) Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, (8) she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. (9) How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
We are the smarter being on earth. The ants work hard without any supervisor. Birds don’t starve to death.
Pro 6:6-9 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. (7) Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, (8) she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. (9) How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
Vishal and Dr. Daniel are worried about the US. In US, they cannot bring Bibles to the school.
Nobel literature laureate Alexander Solzhenitsyn observed problems in the West.
During the reign of King Edward VI, there was a change in England. He wanted to see what he heard in the church. Thomas Cranmer’s legacy include the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles.
4. The modern scientific and medical advances. (Ps 111:2)
Psa 111:2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
The scientists of the 17th century are Christians. (Dr. Ron Choong in his seminar in CHC on 12/01/2011 mentioned this.) The idea that Christians cannot be scientists and vice versa is probably just a lie by the atheists.
5. Healthy and fair competition.
More competition will result in more efficient services and better products and fairer prices.
The framework and application must operation in a culture of:
- Competency
- Character
Questions for discussion
- The Ten Commandments provides an important basis for the structure of society Which one of the five Christian applications are you drawn towards and why? How can you model this application and bring a greater influence to bear on those around you?
- In what ways have Malaysian society been reflecting some of the applications? Why do you think this is the case and in what ways can you contribute towards building a better Malaysian society and culture?
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