I Don’t Do That Do I?
Exodus 20:3-10 Scripture tells us what to do but do we obey? In the wake of getting away from the Egyptians through the Red Sea, the Israelites went through the wilderness and showed up at Mount Sinai. It is here that the Ten Commandments and guidelines on how to fabricate the Tabernacle were given to them. We also find out about the significance of obedience to God and how His laws uncover sin, and what to do for living righteously. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
The Israelites had just come from Egypt where many gods and idols were worshipped for different aspects of life. The people did this because they thought they could get more blessings. God was telling them that He was the One True God. They needed to learn this and if they did not learn this, they could not be His people, no matter if they were faithful in keeping the other commandments. How many of us today have let worldly values take over our lives? If we center our thoughts and hopes on things like money, fame, objects, etc., we fail in focusing on the meaning and security that God can give. We may not start out worshipping things like these, but over time, they can end up controlling our lives. God should be the center focus of our lives. Money - tithe Possessions - land, cars, clothes, etc. Status - society Jobs/careers -work 6 days, 7th is for rest (literally) Question - does it really matter what day is observed as the Sabbath? Why argue about it? Honor thy father and thy mother, but we are not to place them before God.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not covet.
The fifth commandment that had a promise added to it, honor thy father and mother. That means to speak well of them, be polite, show them courtesy and respect. This will lead to building good family ties and a respect for authority. Bearing false witness is understood as making false evidence as in a court of law. We should not twist the truth, invent a lie, deceiving others, leave something out of a truthful statement, etc. What does it mean to covet something? It is envying what others have, like 'oh I wish I had what he or she has'. Admiring what others may have is one thing, coveting is a way of wanting to have or take something away from someone else, then that leads to stealing. Only God can supply all our needs. We need to learn to be content in what God gives us. Why is it that so many people want more and more and expect God to provide it? Does it honor Him? Does it bring glory to God?
So how many of us do or do not do these things? How many of us seek after God's ways and follow them? As Elijah made a challenge to the people, we must take a stand. To whom do we follow?
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