Precepts

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

                                                             Precepts

God's Instructions

Virtue   Morality   Spirituality

Give the Heart Joy

Bestowed

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  Psalm 19:8 and 9

The law of God is perfect.

It breathes new life into our souls.

The precepts of God are trustworthy.

They give wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are true.

They bring joy to our hearts.

Reflection

Have you ever thought how important precepts, commandments, and laws are? They help us to know how we should act towards others, and they help to promote a safe society. Without precepts our world could degenerate into chaos very easily.

We are blessed to have instructions from God. We find these in the scriptures. The most famous of these is the Ten Commandments. 

The purpose of these instructions is to lead us to act with virtue. If we are trying to decide the right path to follow, we can choose the path of virtue. 

For example, a certain situation might call us to act with courage. Others might be choosing a path that is easier, and we might be tempted to go along. They might be talking negatively about someone and ruining their reputation. In following the virtue of courage, we can change the conversation and try to move everyone in a different direction.

This always involves a risk. Some people might get upset with us because they get a certain satisfaction in putting someone down. We are called to follow a different path.

We want to develop a moral sense and to try to do what is right and just. This moral sensitivity leads us to a spirituality that binds us closer to God in our everyday lives and choices. We want to follow God more completely.

Following God and the precepts we have been given, fill our hearts with true joy. We know that what we are doing is lead by the Wisdom of God. Our joy overflows because we feel the presence of God in what we are trying to do. 

God has bestowed these precepts on us to help us to love more deeply. We are called to establish a kingdom of justice by treating our sisters and brothers with respect and fairness.

Our challenge is to take the precepts that we have been given by God and to live them every day so as to lift others up and build a more just society.

1. How important are precepts in your life?

2. How do you try to choose the path of virtue?

3. Has following the precepts of God led you to a deeper sense of joy in your life?

4. What do you feel as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)