September 1, 2013:

The Ten Commandments Today

 

There are a number of people today who want to post the Ten Commandments everywhere they can: in courtrooms, in public buildings, in schools, etc., etc. I wonder if those promoting such displays not only could name all ten but understand what they might mean today.

  1. I am the Lord your God . . . You shall have no other gods besides me. — This commandment establishes monotheism. If we put any “god” - nation, money, family, etc. - ahead of God, we have broken the commandment.
  2. IYou shall not make any idol. — This “theological” commandment reminds us that no human notion of God is ever adequate. God is always beyond our beliefs or religious ideas.
  3. IYou shall not swear falsely. — This is the basis of human trust, honesty and justice. No relationship, no government, can long exist built on lies and deception.
  4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. — Everyone needs regular personal and spiritual renewal to be a whole person. Some see enviromental implications in this commandment.
  5. Honor your father and mother. — We are linked with the generations that have gone before us and those that will come after us. We should honor what parents and other older folk have given us and try hard to pass on an even better legacy to our children and grandchildren.
  6. You shall not murder. —That is what the Hebrew word means, not kill. Human life is sacred and belongs to God. While the Bible accepts “legal” killing, i.e. capital punishment and “just” wars, some wonder if the commandment permits even that.
  7. You shall not commit adultery. —Sexuality is one of the most important aspects of being human. It should always be experienced with integrity and responsibility. We should not break trust with the spouses and partners who love us.
  8. You shall not steal. —The commandment reminds us to respect the boundaries of other people, their person and property. By implication this condemns greed and encourages charity toward others. It also implies governments must regulate commerce and be sure that none are in poverty.
  9. IYou shall not bear false witness. —We are to tell the truth about ourselves and others. We should not use any means of managing or manipulating the truth for our advantage. Lies eventually destroy all relationships.
  10. You shall not covet. —When we want something that is not ours or that we should not have, our lives are distorted. We all have to know what is enough or proper for us.

These “Terrific Ten” ought to be written on our hearts and in our minds, not on buildings. Personally, I like Jesus’ summary of them: “Put God first in your life and treat other people the way you want to be treated.” Now what do you think might happen if we did that?

 

Love,
Dave