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God's Exquisite Garden
MORALITY
The definition of morality means being concerned with the principles or the rules of correct conduct or the differentiation between right and wrong, ethical.
We read in the Bible that a nation that does not know God will not continue to stand. How fortunate is the righteous nation to be chosen as God's inheritance!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalms 33:12
Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. Psalms 33:8
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34
Let us look at the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sodom and Gomorrah were extremely wicked cities. God was about to destroy them and Abraham told God that he would find fifty righteous people. God said He would not destroy it if they were found. Abraham could not find fifty, so he asked God to let him try to find forty-five, then forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten, but even then Abraham could not find even ten righteous people, so God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness and immorality. Genesis 18:22-32
And the Lord said,"The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous
that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me.
If not, I will know."Genesis 18:20-21
Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. Genesis 19:24
All throughout the New Testament we are educated as to the moral standards God wants mankind to have. God in His infinite wisdom told us how we should live.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness." Matthew 19:18
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Parents are told over and over that they should teach their children . After working in the school system, it became extremely evident to me so many are not being taught moral values.
Some people might say they feel the standards given are too high. We are to strive to attain these standards. It is with self-control and self-discipline that we can live as God wants. This takes time, it will not happen overnight.
We are told the dress that we should wear, the speech we should use, and how we should treat others.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
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In each culture, we see evidence of God's moral law. Murder is against the law as is thievery and many other rules of our Lord.
You have heard that it was said to those of old,"You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment."
But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, "Raca!" shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, "You fool!" shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:21-22
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Many times innocent people who were poor and defenseless starved to death. This was done because they were unable to pay off a debt. When this is done for someone to attain or show their power, our Lord calls this murder. Accumulation of money, exploitation of people, and a self-indulgent life will not escape the notice of God.
It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
for a throne is established by righteousness Proverbs 16:12
Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Psalms 2:10-11
How we need to always try to live a godly life! If we are living a godly life, we will be living a moral life. Straying from the commandments set by our Lord will not happen. If everyone lived a moral life, think how wonderful it would be. It puzzles me why so many live ungodly lives when God has given us standards. The Bible is our guideline.
Discussion and study questions:
1.
Why should a nation want to follow our Lord's commandments?
2.
Why were Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed?
3.
Why should parents teach their children?
4.
What won't escape God's notice?
5.
If we are following the Bible, will we wander from it?
6.
How do we see the evidence of God's moral law enforced?
7.
Where do we see this?
Copyright 2008 Linda Lawrence
Lessons in this Series
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The Princess and the Kiss
By Jennie Bishop / Warner Press
A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God--her first kiss--to keep or to give away. The wise girl waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. Where is he and how will she ever find him? The surprising answer in this marvelous parable will touch the heart of parent and child alike. The Princess and the Kiss beautifully portrays the ageless message that "love ... comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5 NIV). Recommended for all ages, especially ages 6 and up.
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The Squire and the Scroll: A Tale of the Rewards of a Pure Heart
By Jennie Bishop / Warner Press
Little girls worldwide have embraced Jennie Bishop's best-selling morality tale The Princess and the Kiss--and ever since its publication, parents have been clamoring for a companion book for boys. Here's the answer! This captivating adventure follows a young squire who travels a long, dangerous road beside his brave knight on a quest for their king. The action builds until the final face-off with the monstrous, evil dragon. Only then does the Squire learn of the secret beyond the cave that ends in a joyous celebration for the entire kingdom. Children will gain valuable insight as they learn, along with the young squire, what it means to face the dangers of temptation, and what it takes to guard one's heart from all that is impure. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
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Photos courtesy
Heartlight, Gutenberg.org, and Stock Xchng,
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