Many of us have watched the movie “The Ten Commandments” in our lives. It features mega stars Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner, who bring the Biblical giants to life. The scenes unfold on the big screen, allowing us to become participants in the epic battle of good versus evil. Even after sixty years, it remains one of the most popular faith films ever shown.
Do you ever think about the Ten Commandments, apart from watching movies? Can you list all of them? Many people ignore or find them irrelevant to our modern society. They even cause controversy for some. However, let’s take a moment to explore the story of the Ten Commandments and understand why they are still important to us today.
History of Ten Commandments
God gave Moses the commandments on Mt. Sinai. This happened after the Israelites traveled the desert for about fifty days. Moses spent the next forty days at the mountain, receiving these inspired instructions from God. Afterwards, he brought down the stone tablets for the people of God. These commandments offered guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God. Throughout history, these words have remained and became the basis of many modern-day laws. They continue to guide us in our faith walk.
The Ten Commandments
Here is the short version of commandments. You can see the full description in Exodus 20.
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- Do not make idols.
- You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Don’t steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- Do not covet.
God etched these instructions for his people to learn about obedience to his will. Jesus’ birth brought an end to many ancient Jewish laws and rituals found in the Old Testament. However, New Testament followers of Christ kept the commandments as a guide. Without these guiding words, their newfound freedom from the old ways could be challenging.
The Division of the Ten Commandments
Looking at the list above, we observe the Ten Commandments contains three unique sections. So, let’s look at those divisions.
God
- In the God Section, we will examine the first three commands. These commands teach us the foundation for having a genuine relationship with God. They also help us comprehend God is a Holy Being who created everything. We must approach Him with reverence and acknowledge Him as the Lord of our lives. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) emphasizes the significance of this section: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” In this verse, fear means to view God’s authority and power with deep awe and respect.
Individuals
- For the individual section, we look at the fourth commandment to learn how to care for ourselves. In fact, God wants us to rest from our labors. And, He understands the importance of recharging our bodies and minds. But this is more than just sleeping and taking things easy. God wants to be our source for proper rest. Also, Godly rest refreshes our body, mind, and soul, even during turmoil. We find it in Matthew 11:28 (NIV); “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Others
- In the last section, we see the other people’s section. Finally, the remaining commandments look at how-to live-in peace with those around us. First, we must honor those who cared for us as children. Then, we see the list gets specific about the things we should not do. We should not kill, commit adultery, steal, lie about our neighbor, or be jealous of their possessions. Lots of “do not” on this list. But, we can summarize this list with Psalm 34:14 (NIV): “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
The Greatest Command
Although the Ten Commandments still apply, Jesus offered us more instructions when he shared his thoughts after someone asked what is the greatest commandment was in Matthew 22; “37 Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Summary of Ten Commandments
Likewise, if we love God, love ourselves, and love our neighbors, we live a God-pleasing life. And I think that is much easier to remember than memorizing the list of Ten Commandments. In fact, when we love others correctly, we fulfill the law.
Prayer
My Heavenly Father, I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. So, please show me the places I cannot love others the way you want me to. And thank you for the gift of the Ten Commandments to teach me right from wrong. Strengthen me daily in my faith and guides my steps. And grant me peace each night as I rest in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Thank you for sharing these valuable insights on the Ten Commandments, Yvonne. Their application is just as important now as all those years ago; however, I agree with your recomendation for us to always remember the “greatest” commandment shared by Jesus.
Thank you Katherine. We have them for a reason that still matters today. God bless
Jesus made this so simple for us by summing up all the commandments. Love God, love your neighbor as yourself. Of course, only by having His Spirit in control can we do this. Thanks for sharing this lesson.
Yes he did. Thanks Barbara and God bless
His Word was given to us so that we may have a deep relationship with Him. I’m thankful for those commandments. Have a blessed day!
Excellent breakdown of a truly important aspect of the Bible. About a decade ago I saw a T-shirt that said “Love God, love others, love self.” Now I realize these aren’t just priorities but also a reflection of the Ten Commandments God gave us!
They are a great guide to a life in Christ. It can be so easy but we make it more difficult. Thanks Jessica and God bless.
Well done, Yvonne. You laid out the background and basics of the 10 Commandments in a clear way and also pointed to Christ’s teaching in the end, which sums up everything. People may feel like the 10 Commandments are old and long gone, but God’s truth stands forever. Thank you for this important reminder!
Amen Melissa. The Ten Commandments are timeless and teach us so much.
“Show me the places I can love others the way You want me to.” I love the prayer today!
Thank you Candyce. I want to love like Christ. God bless.
Great insights and masterful explanation, my friend. I couldn’t help but wonder, how different would this world be if we all applied these in our lives.
So true JD. If we applied them, our world would be so much better off. I guess that is why God gave them to use. Thanks and God bless.
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