POSITIVE CALLING

Dining with Jesus Christian Episodes

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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For those that know me well, they know that I am not a fan of other people’s rules. Don’t get me wrong, I know the value of good laws and good social norms, it’s just that I tend to chafe when those rules are not of my own making. And even then…

We need good boundaries. Without them, wow we would suffer. God knows all about our need for (and dislike of) good rules to follow that keep us out of trouble. In the Ten Commandments, we not only find the prohibitive rules (you shall not) but we also find a set of positive callings, actions that lead us into greater connection with the Lord. 

Let me show you what I mean. 

First

In the first command we find the principle, “You shall not have any other gods before the one true God.” This is a good rule. We are cautioned against any form of pluralism, the acceptance of any other form of deity outside that of the biblical God. 

We need to be told to stay away from the false gods of this world. We need hard and fast rules on this issue or else we might wander into the pain of apostacy and idolatry. 

Calling

But there is more to the command than the mere prohibition. There is also a calling from the Lord to those willing to listen. In this command we are being called to turn toward the one true God in worship and devotion. 

While we set aside all would be competitors to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we also must turn toward the Lord. If we recognize the sovereignty of the Lord enough to obey the prohibition, then clearly we will be drawn into a position of worship of and dedication to the one true God.

Second

The same can be said of the main idea behind the second commandment, “You shall not make for yourselves any image, form, or likeness of the Lord or of any other god.”

Yes indeed, we should be rid of all false versions of the Lord. We cannot make a version of the One and Only God that we find to be more manageable and convenient. Instead, we must accept the Lord as he defines and reveals himself. 

Positive

The prohibition is important to understand, but so is the positive calling toward acknowledging the God who defines himself. The second command demands that we pursue the truth as revealed by our Lord rather than pursue truth that looks more palatable to our modern sensitivities. 

Third

In the third command we hear the following:

7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

(Exodus 20:7 ESV)

Again we see the obvious prohibition, do not take the name of the Lord in a worthless or meaningless manner. 

* Side Note * If you are unsure if your use of the Lord’s name is somehow in violation of this commandment, then just stop using his name in that way. You are welcome. 

Honor

The positive side of this command is right in front of us. 

If we agree that the name of the Lord is not to be taken in a worthless manner because it dishonors the Lord in our lives and in the lives of those around us, then we must see that the Lord is calling us toward the goal of bringing honor to the name of the Lord. 

Prepare

As you get ready for your day, ask yourself:

  •   How will my words bring the name of God honor today?
  •   How will my dealings and treatment of others reflect on the name of God today?
  •   Will I bring honor to the name and reputation of Jesus Christ today, or will I cause the name of the Lord to appear worthless and hollow?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for allowing me to share in the gift of bearing your name. I recognize the blessing that it is to be known as one of yours. Help me to live out this blessing today. Help me keep track of my words and attitudes. Help me show kindness and mercy in the name of Jesus as I go through this day. Thank you Lord. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN


Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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