Christian Living and Doctrines – Page 12 – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD” (Psalm 34:11)

Prophet David, in this latter part of the psalm, undertakes to teach children. Though a man of war, and anointed to be King, he did not think it below him; now that he had his head so full of cares and his hands of business, yet he could find heart and time to give good counsel to young people from his own experience. It does not appear that he had now any children of his own, at least any that were grown up to a capacity of being taught; but, by divine inspiration, he instructs the children of his people….

“Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them” (Matthew 6:1)

Foremost, in the Holy Church, when we put money into the alms- chest; we shall know only to righteously give for only HE has the will to know. Alms shall not be given to the needy unaware of whom we bestowed; nor does the poor man know of whom he receives; for, behold, this is deed for the sake of alms.

“Diligently pray; lest you enter temptation” (Matthew 26:31)

Any human who is deprived by temptation is easily to sin; and so, foremost, we must pray. As King David the Psalmist said, “Seven times a day I praise you, because of your righteous judgments”, we shall keep the seven times of prayers.

“Beware of the three cords of doom!” Abune Tekle Haimanot

Pride, Jealousy and Haughty, the three cords of doom lead humans to spiritual failure. Written on Proverb 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride is what led to sinning. Righteous as he is, our father Abune Tekle Haimanot’s diligence within the monastery of Abba Bteselote Michael for ten years led to the servile in seeking their blessing and advice. He instructed them to, “Make virtue of patience, humility and the fear of God; These three things lead to eternal life. Beware that the three cords of doom that drag you down to the depths of the forest do not make you jealous, arrogant and conceited.”

“Fear sin but not death” Saint Jared

Death have no power over us, if not we lack faith. We shall win our fear and anxiety to exceed in life. Pain and sorrow are bearable, but the suffering of soul in hell is not. Though, we are recently facing death due to the cureless disease Corona, it is better to await for soul cure and eternal life.

Let us have lenient heart

Our heart’s desire for Love is its rate of purity and love is lenient. LORD Jesus Christ’s ideal love for children was witnessed upon the cross, his grieving for his leniency and salvation of all man kind. Whereas, Adam’s urged for forgiveness led LORD Jesus in giving his life.

“And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, the will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14)

It was the will of GOD to create the heaven and earth,

Angels upon their world and all creatures underneath

to bring love and harmony He pronounced to let it be

Alive all being became seeking to see

their creator who wield their life to bree

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil” (Proverb 1:33)

At his reign, the wise king Solomon once thought Israeli people on word of GOD saying “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil.” Hearing GOD’s, dwelling safely and being secure without fear are the main themes we can find in this quote. (Proverbs 1:33)

“But as for me and my household, will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15)

Whilst the creation of human is to serve the LORD being as righteous as angels, mortals are in the devils nest, worshiping him till they give in their entire soul. Their weakness of survival through hardships and challenges they encounter in everyday life led to their failure.

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths” (Psalm 118:105)

In this dark and cold world, where the destiny of human lays in a deep desire of life, a spark of light seems to be mans last hope for salvation. Turning back to the spiritual journey, it is clear how following the rule lead us all the way through. Just as Prophet David said, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths” (Psalm 118:105)