The 10 Commandments – Part 3
Exodus 20:14-26
The Ten Commandments: A Blueprint for our Relationship with God and Others
At first glance, the Ten Commandments may seem like a list of “do’s and don’ts,” but upon deeper study, we find that they are an invitation to a life of freedom and purpose. They are not meant to restrict us but rather to liberate us from the bondage of sin and selfishness. Each commandment reveals something about God’s character and His desires for our lives.
We have already looked at the first six in previous posts:
#1 – No Other gods before Me. Exclusive worship.
#2 – No Idols/Carved Images. Idols steal away our hearts.
#3 – No Taking Lord’s Name in Vain. His identity is pure.
#4 – Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
#5 – Honor your father and your mother.
#6 – You shall not murder.
Today, we will discuss the remaining four.
You shall not commit adultery.
On the surface, this commandment appears to be a straightforward prohibition against infidelity in marriage. However, it speaks to something much deeper – the sanctity of relationships and the importance of trust. When we honor our commitments and remain faithful to our spouses, we reflect God’s faithfulness to us. This commandment reminds us that our actions have profound impacts on those around us and that true love involves sacrifice and dedication. Adultery is essentially stealing from another what does not belong to you. And that brings us to the next commandment.
You shall not steal.
This commandment against stealing goes beyond the obvious act of taking what doesn’t belong to us. It challenges us to examine our hearts and consider the ways we might be “stealing” in less obvious ways. Are we giving our employers our best effort, or are we “stealing” time by slacking off? Are we honest in our financial dealings, or do we try to cheat the system? This commandment invites us to live with integrity in all areas of our lives.
You shall not bear false witness.
This commandment to not bear false witness speaks to the power of our words. In an age of “fake news” and social media rumors, the importance of truth-telling cannot be overstated. When we commit to speaking the truth in love, we build trust and strengthen our communities. This commandment challenges us to be people of integrity, whose words can be relied upon.
You shall not covet.
One of the most challenging commandments for many of us is the prohibition against coveting. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of “more, more, more,” contentment can seem elusive. Coveting goes beyond mere desire – it’s a destructive force that can lead to resentment, jealousy, and even acts of aggression against others. When we learn to be content with what we have and to rejoice in the blessings of others, we free ourselves from the tyranny of comparison and find true joy.
Now, it’s crucial to understand that these commandments are not a means of earning God’s favor or salvation. Rather, they are a response to the love and grace that God has already shown us. In the New Testament, Jesus summarizes the entire law into two great commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we live in the light of God’s love, obedience to these commandments becomes a natural outflow of our relationship with Him.
One final thought on this section of scripture. We don’t want to get so caught up with this list of commandments, although they are important, that we miss the awesomeness of this scene. Imagine what the Israelites saw at Mount Sinai. They witnessed God’s power through the tremendous display of thunder, lightning, and smoke. This should remind us of the holiness of God. This encounter instilled a healthy fear – not a cowering terror, but a reverent awe – in the Israelites. Today, we are invited into an even more intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but we must never lose sight of His holiness and majesty.
As we study the Ten Commandments, we can be reminded of our own shortcomings. Come back to the Lord and receive his forgiveness and grace! Respond to the conviction of the Lord with Godly sorrow, leading to repentance. John writes in 1 John 2:1, “My little children, these things I write to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
As we go about our days, let’s challenge ourselves to view the Ten Commandments not as restrictive rules but as guideposts for a life well-lived. Let’s ask ourselves:
– How can I honor God in all areas of my life?
– Am I treating others with the respect and dignity they deserve as bearers of God’s image?
– Are there areas of my life where I need to practice more honesty and integrity?
– How can I cultivate contentment and gratitude instead of covetousness?
– In what ways can I use my words to build up rather than tear down?
By meditating on these questions and seeking to live out the principles of the Ten Commandments, we open ourselves to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God and with others. May we, like the Psalmist and be able to say, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). We find true freedom and purpose when we align our lives with God’s principles. We become beacons of light in a dark world, reflecting God’s character to those around us.
