The Ten Commandments
How long has it been since you read the Ten Commandments and really pondered God's purpose in them? For some of them, it's clear: Exodus 20:3-4 tell us God is the only One worthy of worship and He does not want us to worship idols. That seems simple enough to understand, even if it isn't as easy to obey. But what is the characteristic of God motivating even this?
Jealousy, yes. But even in that, the love of God is the motivating factor. God's jealousy is not that of a petty boyfriend or girlfriend who only wants you to themself and could not care any less about your welfare. God's jealousy is for our soul, for our good throughout eternity, so that we are not lost to Him forever because He loves us.
Each of the commandments is borne out of the fact that God is love. He is also holy and just and eternal and majesty. But it is His love that desires relationship with us and it is out of love that He provides commandments for maintaining that relationship as well as relationships with other humans.
The first four commands in Exodus 20: 1-8 are focused on our relationship with God, who He is and how we worship Him. The last six in Exodus 20:9-17 are about maintaining relationships with those around us, from our parents, to our neighbors, to our spouse. The reason our system of law is based on the Ten Commandments is because almost every crime has its root in a violation of these.
As a follower of Christ, at times we may be tempted to not think much or deeply about the Ten Commandments since we are under grace not law. We do not have to obey commandments to earn God's favor, but if we understand who God is and what He has done for us, how much He loves us and desires our best, we realize that these commands are God's roadmap for us to enjoy life and live an abundant life characterized by joy instead of stress.
How long has it been since you read the Ten Commandments and really pondered God's purpose in them? For some of them, it's clear: Exodus 20:3-4 tell us God is the only One worthy of worship and He does not want us to worship idols. That seems simple enough to understand, even if it isn't as easy to obey. But what is the characteristic of God motivating even this?
Jealousy, yes. But even in that, the love of God is the motivating factor. God's jealousy is not that of a petty boyfriend or girlfriend who only wants you to themself and could not care any less about your welfare. God's jealousy is for our soul, for our good throughout eternity, so that we are not lost to Him forever because He loves us.
Each of the commandments is borne out of the fact that God is love. He is also holy and just and eternal and majesty. But it is His love that desires relationship with us and it is out of love that He provides commandments for maintaining that relationship as well as relationships with other humans.
The first four commands in Exodus 20: 1-8 are focused on our relationship with God, who He is and how we worship Him. The last six in Exodus 20:9-17 are about maintaining relationships with those around us, from our parents, to our neighbors, to our spouse. The reason our system of law is based on the Ten Commandments is because almost every crime has its root in a violation of these.
As a follower of Christ, at times we may be tempted to not think much or deeply about the Ten Commandments since we are under grace not law. We do not have to obey commandments to earn God's favor, but if we understand who God is and what He has done for us, how much He loves us and desires our best, we realize that these commands are God's roadmap for us to enjoy life and live an abundant life characterized by joy instead of stress.
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