When my family moved to Manhattan, Kansas in 1999, there were two battles raging in the community. One was over the new, expanded Wal-Mart and the question was “Where should it be?” The other was over the Ten Commandment monument that for years had been located at City Hall and the question was, “Where shouldn’t it be?”
Both questions were settled after much debate. Wal-Mart ended up on the east side of town, and the Ten Commandment monument ended up on Manhattan Christian College’s campus. The funny thing is those who didn’t want them at City Hall didn’t realize they would be put in an even more prominent position in the city when moved to their current location. The Ten Commandments are now seen by thousands daily as they drive by one of the busiest intersections in the community.
Do We Need a Monument?
Many were thrilled that so many would see the Ten Commandment monument every day in Manhattan, as I was. But it also makes me wonder, do we really need a monument so people can see God’s Word? The truth is, we shouldn’t. The people who live around us ought to be able to see God’s Word in our lives every day. They should be able to see faith in God, strong marriages, obedient children, positive words and attitudes, and so on. Evidence of God’s Word should be seen in the hearts and lives of the Christians they come into contact with every day.
Relationship, Not Rules
The Old Testament required obedience to the rules. Follow the letter of the Law. The beauty for you and me is we are able to let God’s rules flow from our personal relationship with him. Do your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors see God’s Word in you? Do they see your love for God and your love for your neighbor? If not, it might be time to focus on his Word and on your time with him, and let your relationship with him shine through as a living monument to the hand and work of God. |L
Kevin Ingram is the president of Manhattan (KS) Christian College. He and his wife Lisa have been married for 26 years and have two children: Lauren and Tyler. After graduating from MCC in 1986 he served in two different ministries in western Kansas before coming to work at MCC.
