The basic 10 commandments. Many people resent being told what to do, but this is where understanding and renewal of our thinking needs to start. People may be afraid to commit to rules for fear that they can no longer have fun or do the things that they really enjoy. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. If you learn His Way, you will discover real joy, peace and prosperity that can be achieved no other way. These laws were not given to us as "I'm the boss rules" but out of love and for our protection. Does a parent try to "ruin" a child's fun by not letting them play on a dangerous street? No, they do so out of love and concern for the child. These are timeless principals that are common good for any people, anywhere, regardless of what their beliefs may be. |
1.Thou shall have no other gods before me. Ex.20:3
This is an invitation into a loving relationship with Him. Putting God first in your life is the beginning to putting the rest of your life in order and living it to it's fullest.
2. Thou shall not make unto thee any idol. Ex.20:4-6
One of the most prevalent "idols" we have today is ourselves or self-centeredness. But there can be others, such as other people (spouses, children), jobs, superstitions, occults, idols (Buddas,) anything that becomes more important than Him. Anything that we lust, that we just have to have, is an idol.
3. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Ex.20:7
Oh, how the world abuses this one with no thought of the consequences. This is to let us know that His name is so powerful that we need to learn not to abuse the use of the name. His name is above all others.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Ex.20:8-11
This is to show honor to the Lord. Also, to enable us to function properly according to how we were created, we need a day of rest.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.Ex.20:12 Matthew 7:1-2,12
This may be easy for some and not so for others. You may feel hurt and look to your parents as being the reason why. No doubt, there are some bad parents out there but this isn't asking for something you can't give. This is about keeping peace. True, forgiveness may need to come first but this would be for your own benefit. This is about sowing a seed with your parents that will provide peace for you when you are aged. Your example builds a road for your children to follow in their lives. God says he will give you a good and long life for this honor. Mark 7:10
6. Thou shall not kill.
Ex.20:13 This has to do with managing your anger and having control over your actions.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery. Ex.20:14 This encompasses so much more than honor and trustworthiness. Adultery injures spouses, children and families.
8. Thou shall not steal. Ex.20":15 There is a way to prosperity without having to steal. We will cover that here. When doing it God's way we will truly have repentance and not just "sorry we got caught". Restitution shows true repentance. Taken anything from work lately.... pens, paper, time?
9. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Ex.20:16
Holding to the truth brings peace to a person. Zech.8:16
It makes a person experience a profound freedom. John 8:32
We will learn how powerful words really are. A man is justified or condemed by his words.
10. Thou shall not covet. Ex.20:16 How do we find true contentment within the realm of our own lives? When we seek God first then all these "other" things we desire shall be added to onto us.
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