Why must we keep the commandments?

[arunangelo]

Is it because we fear God or is it because we love God (John 14:15)? If we do it out of fear, it means that we are trying to save our self from punishment? In other words, it is out of self interest. On the other hand if it is out of love, then it is pure, holy and selfless. Which of the two reasons will bring us peace?

 

[ncjohn]

I think the answer is clear that obedience flows from love rather than the other way around. To me, any obedience that flows from fear results in minimal compliance rather than seeking a relationship with God. And in most cases, compliance born of fear ultimately results in a person bolting at the first opportunity.

I personally think that is why we see so many young people flee the Church right after confirmation, or as soon as they are out of the house. We really don’t do a very good job of teaching our kids about loving God; we do a much better job of teaching them to fear God, and not in the sense of “awe” that is actually meant by “fear of the Lord”. Who is going to fall in love with a toxic God who is playing “gotcha” with us? Is that really the God with whom we wish to spend all eternity?

The Word Among Us meditation today put it quite well. wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp

Obedience to God’s commands is important—but not because God is a harsh judge waiting for us to make a misstep so he can punish us. Rather, it’s through obedience that God helps us develop our consciences and teaches us how to trust his wisdom in everything.

Peace,

 

[JimR-OCDS]

We keep the commandments for both, love of God, and because we fear the punishment of hell. The Act of contrition even says it;

O My God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee.
I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell.
But most of all, because I offend thee my God, who are all good and deserving of all of my love.

Allso, following the 10 commandments is what helps us to live free.

"True freedom, isn’t necessarily the privilege of having the choice between good and evil, but having the ability to chose only good. For now one actually chooses evil for themselves.’ Anonymous.

When a person steals, he doesn’t do it because he knows that he’s hurting the other person, and that if he’s caught, he’ll have to spend a portion of his life in prison, but rather, he sees the good for himself, in having the item he desires. Its the false good that he sees as a benefit, not the evil and hence, gives in to a false good.

Jim

 

[drafdog]

We keep the commandments and go beyond the requirements of the commandments in order that, as Jesus commands us, our righteousness may exceed that of the scribes and pharisees.
It is done out of a sense of gratitude for all that God has given us.

Matthew

 

[puzzleannie]

Christ said on the night before He died: if you love Me you will keep My commands.

 

[BarbaraTherese]

We may keep the commandments out of fear and this is not an invalid starting point “Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom” - as time goes on in our journey with The Lord and His commandments undoubtedly our reasons will change and grow - be purified.
“Fear of The Lord” can commence at fear of His Judgement and Judgements - this too can change and grow and be purified until we arrive at not servile fear any longer, but that awe and wonder at His Glory and Power. His Majesty.
The punishment of sin is not something God applies or tacks on after we sin, the punishment is intrinsic to the sin itself…sin, it could be said is a ‘loaded gun’ When I choose sin I am also choosing what I am going to experience as its absolutely negative aspect. Sin is not chosen because it IS something negative…somehow we think, mistakenly, it is going to make me happy - but it is that ‘loaded gun’.
God has not given us His Commandments as a set of rules we must not break, rather He is telling us those things that are going to make us miserable in some way.
Barb