Readings

Exodus 20:1-17

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

John 2:13-23

Devotion

Peace be with you!

To re-read our discussion on the Ten Commandments, click here.

The Ten Commandments seem like a harsh set of laws that are impossible for us to follow as we discussed the last time. However, tonight I would like to propose an idea: the Ten Commandments are laid out for us to be in a relationship with God the Father and those we come into contact.

The first four of the Ten Commandments gives us ways to worship God: having one God, not making our own gods, not using God’s name in vain, and resting on the Sabbath. These four commandments give us ways to honor God, so we can be in a relationship with him. Just like any other relationship, we need boundaries to have a healthy and solid relationship. With these four commandments, God wants you to honor him as your God only and have no other gods. No other god will be able to draw us away from the Lord. These are the boundaries God sets for our relationship with him, so we do not wonder off.

The last six of the Ten Commandments gives us ways to honor those around us: honor your mother and father, shall not murder, shall not commit adultery, shall not steal, shall not bear false witness against your neighbor, and shall not covet your neighbor’s personal belongings. These commandments give us ways to carry out our lives to honor God by tending to the needs of others around us. God gives us these commandments, so we are aware of people around us. For instance, the fifth commandment to honor your mother and father pertains to the elderly and tending to their needs. God wants us to care for each other. If we do not kill each other, steal, or lie, we are forced to care about the other person. God wants us to be community, not at odds, with each other.

Whether than looking at the Ten Commandments as laws, we should embrace them as guidelines to be in a relationship with God and in community with each other.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Ten Commandments as guidelines to live out our lives. Help us to live in community with each other as your children. Thank you for the opportunity to be in a relationship with you and in community with those around us. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How do you live by the Ten Commandments?

2. How do the Ten Commandments strengthen your relationship with God?