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If Everyone Kept God's Commandments
By Hector M. Earle
Think of the world that would exist if everyone suddenly realized and acted upon the promise of our Savior.
f everyone kept God's commandments, what a beautiful, peaceful, secure, and
prosperous world this would be. It would be an enhanced world with meaning and purpose to all our lives.
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If everyone loved, worshipped, and obeyed the creator God of heaven
with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, then worries would be dismissed. He promised to supply all
our needs and desires if we put Him first. He said he would bless us, keep us, and give to us bountifully.
No doubts, fears, stresses or uncertainties about our future would exist. We would have health, security,
peace of mind, a long and successful physical life, as well as an everlasting spiritual life. What more could
we ask for? Read on.
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If everyone disposed of all hindrances and preoccupations that come
between man and God (Matt. 19:20-24), then we would see much more of our creator and His presence
would be more tangible to us. Our faith in Him would draw us closer together, allowing Him to help us in
our times of need.
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If all humans honored and reverenced the name of our Creator, we
would be careful to think of Him, respect Him, and share with others His almighty power and might. What
a keen sense of awareness we would have about the nature, love, and majesty of God.
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If everyone would set aside that special one day out of seven to cease
from all work and consecrate it unto God, we would draw closer to our Father. Our minds and bodies
would benefit from the rest and worship every seven days. The health benefits alone would be staggering,
not to mention mental and spiritual rejuvenation with which to begin each week.
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If all children, young and old, would honor and respect their parents,
courtesy, thoughtfulness, and kind deeds would abound. The problems of this world that come through
youthful rebellion (drugs, alcohol, gangs, and premarital sex) would vanish. Children would have respect
for authority. Think about the long and prosperous life they would live--a kind of life that would make
every parent and grandparent's life happy and fulfilling.
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If all humans saw mankind as being created in the very image and
likeness of God, viewing human life as sacred and God-given, then murder would cease. Imagine the
peace and security that would erupt all over the world's families, towns, and cities. On a larger scale, think
about the peace and security among nations if every one viewed human life as purposeful, believing that
only God has the right to decide when it should be taken. Gone would be hate and anger--the very sources
of murder and war. In its place would be love, giving, and outgoing concern for others. How desperately
our world needs this.
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Suppose all married couples honored their marriage vows and stayed
true to each other for life. Suppose partners were fully aware of their roles both as a spouse and as a parent.
Think about how much every society would gain. Think of all the happy well-adjusted children who would
be free from the agony and trauma of divorce.
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If every one would practice the way of give and not selfishly take
things that do not rightfully belong to them, then the plague of theft, which robs society to the core, would
be eliminated. Think of the trillions of dollars that would be saved and the mutual trust and good will
among men that would be present, if theft would suddenly disappear.
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Imagine if every one put off all manner of deception and lived a life of
complete honesty, speaking and practicing the truth in all their dealings with one another. How much trust,
respect, and understanding would spread across the world? If everyone would come to fully realize that it
is the truth that ultimately prevails (Psalm 117:2), then the world would be a step closer to paradise.
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If all God's children would rid themselves of the attitude of selfishness
and cease from continuously
seeking the materialistic spirit, how happy and content we would all be. The burden of jealousy and greed
would be lifted. In its place would be happiness, contentment, and the knowledge that the real meaning to
life is not about who possesses the most toys, but about a commitment to seeking God's will and His
Kingdom above all. We would all come to the realization that covetousness is at the heart of many sins and
can produce all manner of evil desires.
This awareness would enable us to come full circle with the realization that there can be no other gods
before the Almighty Creator who gives us life and breath. Think of the world that would exist if everyone
suddenly realized and acted upon the promise of our Savior, knowing that we have the continuous help of
the Holy Spirit to walk in the righteousness of His law. For when we transgress, the atoning blood of Jesus
Christ can and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is no wonder then that God's word tells us we
are blessed if we keep His commandments (Revelation 22:14).
Copyright 1999 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.
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