Thou Shalt Not
Posted by AndreaMoses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them. (Deuteronomy 5:1)
Normally, I’m not a fan of late night television. However, I’ve been up late for the past week or so, eagerly awaiting the next broadcast of ABC’s Nightline. The late night program recently launched a new series called The Ten Commandments, which is intended to explore the commandments and facilitate discussion about whether they are relevant today.
During the series, viewers have been introduced to a self professed shopaholic whose covetous attitude and wild spending have caused her to file for bankruptcy twice. The series has also highlighted Chick Fil-A’s well known Sabbath honoring Sunday closures. On yet another night, proponents of traditional marriage and advocates of open marriage squared off in a discussion about adultery and delved into whether or not we’re born to cheat. More recently, Nightline explored the popularity of the words Oh my God! and questioned whether speaking or texting those words is blasphemous.
Though this modern exploration of the Ten Commandments has featured some sensational stories perhaps better suited for tabloids and gossip magazines, it still provides good food for thought. How should Christians respond to this series?
If we think we’re doing a stellar job of following The Ten Commandments, we might be tempted to shake our heads in disbelief, wag a finger of criticism, or berate others who disregard the commandments. However, we would be better served to examine ourselves more closely. Remember that passage of scripture about the plank in one’s own eye?
When we wrap ourselves in a cloak of self righteousness, we first deceive ourselves by thinking we’ve done no wrong. This faulty thinking is always a dangerous prospect because it allows us not to take responsibility for the things we have done. In addition, we miss an opportunity to grow closer to God through His loving instruction. The Ten Commandments weren’t intended to stifle us, but rather to guide us so that we could experience a more joyful life.
This series has caused me to rethink my commitment to the Ten Commandments. Do I know them? Have I truly embraced them? Better yet, am I working to live according to them?
What about you?
Photo: Courtesy of robeena (Flickr)
We don’t have Chick-FilA up here in the PNW. It was interesting to read here that they honor the Sabbath.
Your late night TV viewing sounds like good food for thought. I’m so glad we’re living in New Covenant times. As Christians, we have the indwelling Spirit to empower us to fulfill these laws of love… though we don’t always yield to Him. Fortunately, Jesus’ blood covers us where we fail. What a great and gracious God we have! (Hey, I’ve preached myself happy!)
Have a wonderful weekend, Andrea. :~D
No Chick Fil-A?! My condolences to you! I think it’s AWESOME that they honor the Sabbath in that way. I’m constantly working to be sure we’re honoring the Sabbath too. Sometimes we get so busy doing “life” that we forget to pause.
Thanks for stopping by!
I wish I had known about this Nightline series.
Romans 3:19-24 NASB
19Now we know that whatever the (Y)Law says, it speaks to (Z)those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and (AA)all the world may become accountable to God;
20because (AB)by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for (AC)through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.
Justification by Faith
21But now apart from the Law (AD)the righteousness of God has been manifested, being (AE)witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22even the (AF)righteousness of God through (AG)faith (AH)in Jesus Christ for (AI)all those who believe; for (AJ)there is no distinction;
23for all (AK)have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24being justified as a gift (AL)by His grace through (AM)the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
I love this Scripture! Paul points out that the 10 commandments were meant to point us to our need for a Saviour. There is no way we can keep the commandments all the time. We all fall short and sin which clearly shows our need for a Saviour! Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t try to live our lives according to the Biblical principles. I’m just thankful that my ability to stick to them isn’t the determining factor for my salvation!
Blessings to you!
Tara, thank you for sharing that passage of scripture.
You’re quite right. We most definitely need a Savior and we certainly should be striving to live according to Biblical standards. I’m also glad that God’s mercy and forgiveness are extended to me! Where would I be without them?
Thank you for visiting!
we have been meditating on them for some time, and mark has preached and taught through them a few times. each time we love them more, and by God’s grace we are able to repent and grow. thank God, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us when we confess our sins.
Since watching the series, I’ve been thinking more about them as well and God has been bringing things to my attention. Like you, I’m also thankful for God’s forgiveness!
It was good to see you again Tammie!