The 10 Commandments and You

The 10 Commandments and You

Commandment		Bible Example	Modern Example
RESPECT FOR GOD You shall love the LORD your God	1. You shall have no other Gods before me.	The Exodus Exodus 34:11-14	Put God first! Today a “god” may be anything a person allows to rule his daily life: deities of other religions, superstitions, horoscopes, bad habits or addictions, friends, heroes, desire for money, fame or power.
	2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.	Golden Calf Exodus 32:1-8	Put your faith in God only. Worshipping or serving any man-made thing that is thought to have supernatural power: statues of gods of other religions, crystals, pictures, jewellery, amulets, charms, rabbit’s foot, or objects thought to have power or “good luck.”
	3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.	Don’t use God’s name in a false oath. Leviticus 19:12	Treat God’s name with respect. Don’t use God’s name lightly in making promises or in any other way. This is the name that raised people from the dead, caused blind to see, and made the paralyzed to walk. It is a powerful name and needs to be used with the right attitude.
	4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.	God provides enough on the sixth day for the seventh. Exodus 16:23-30	In Jesus’ time, very religious people obeyed this commandment by refusing to do any kind of work – even to the point of not helping people in need. Jesus said that Sabbath was made for man’s benefit. People should rest from their normal work, but also be available to do well to others. Today Christians set aside the day to worship God and meet with other Christians.
RESPECT FOR PEOPLE Love your neighbour as yourself	5. Honour your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.	Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph. Luke 2:51	Treat your parents with respect no matter what. You parents have made many sacrifices to raise you. They have changed diapers, lost sleep, bought food, toys and clothes, paid doctor bills and changed their schedules to help you. Even if you don’t get along with your parents, they deserve your gratitude. If your parents ask you to do something wrong, respectfully tell them no and suggest a good alternative that they might consider.
	6. You shall not murder.	Each person is made in God’s image. Genesis 9:6	Personal revenge belongs to God. God will make things right in the end. God has set up governments and rules to deal with murders. Life and death are in God’s hands. Examples: no revenge killing, murder, suicide, abortion or euthanasia (mercy killing). Jesus said we should love our enemies and pray for them.
	7. You shall not commit adultery.	Joseph runs from temptation. Genesis 39:1-13	Stay true to your husband or wife. Marriage vows made before God should be kept in spite of difficulties. Sex only within marriage relationship. No rape or incest. Avoid sexual temptation: provocative videos, movies, television, magazines, computer games or programs, pictures and books. Jesus said that even thinking about another person lustfully is wrong.
	8. You shall not steal.	Achan steals. Joshua 6:17-19 Joshua 7:1-5	Respect other’s possessions. Don’t take things that don’t belong to you. Examples: shoplifting (taking candy, toys, or anything from a store), taking money or valuables from others, cheating on tests and taxes, photocopying music or any printed material without permission.
	9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.	Honesty toward neighbours. Leviticus 19:13	Be trustworthy. Don’t falsely accuse or blame someone else. Don’t lie about them or to them. Don’t gossip. Don’t lie to God and to yourself by believing you are perfect. Keep your promises.
	10. You shall not covet… anything that belongs to your neighbour.	Life is more than possessions. Ecclesiastes 5:9-18; 6;12	Be content with what you have. Don’t long for things that belong to others. Examples: their house, car, job, bike, toys, jewellery, clothing, or friends. Ask God to give you what you need. He promises that He will take care of your needs! Seek wisdom and good character, not riches.

Taken from: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Time Lines (Torrance, California: Rose Publishing, Inc., 2005) pg. 57
Reproduce online for free by: Richard Angelus, blogger, Wordspeakstoday.blogspot.com

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.