Brenda’s Blog – June 18, 2024
“What does Corum Deo mean?” That was my question to Google. Living among men and women who seriously study God’s word and Christian thought can be intimidating. Some toss Latin phrases into their conversations with casual elegance. I generally understand, but not always.
Yes, I know “Pax Vobiscum” (peace be with you) from years of choir benedictions; “Adeste Fideles” (Oh come all ye faithful”) and “Imago Dei”(image of God) from years of Reformed Theology training.
But Corum Deo? I recognize it in writing, understand it when spoken, but how do I fully grasp it, much less apply it? Google tells me it literally means “in the sight of, in the presence of God.” Commentators expand that to mean we live every day under the eye of God, the omnipresent One.
As an octogenarian single woman this concept’s definition brings great comfort. However, as a young girl in the 1950s who desperately wanted to be “in the center of God’s will,” it was a daunting idea. Misinformed and often grace-less adults used the eye of God as a control mechanism. They taught me He watched me night and day. They failed to encourage me with His “watching over.”
They exhorted us with “Be careful little eyes what you see, little ears what you hear, and mouths what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love.” A marvelous thought, right? This was an early lesson in the value of context and editing for to this day I remember the song without the words “in love.” What we heard was the warning that no matter how far under the bed or deep into the closet we went, God still could see us. The implication was a God of intimidation – a divine patrolman.
Oh, that our well-meaning (for the most part) Sunday School teachers would have emphasized a God with us, protecting, guiding, and providing. Oh, to understand Corum Deo in all its glory… that we could live in the light and sight of His presence. Yes, He rules and reigns but we heard that he wielded a ruler and rained down punishment.
Thank you, Father, for teaching me the beauty of your presence.