Rules to Live By
In Exodus 20, God gave mankind His “Ten Commandments.” These commands were the beginning of God giving us laws to live by. Law is defined as any written or positive rule or collection of rules prescribed under appropriate authority. Laws are regulations, policies or established boundaries given to guard (protect), govern (rule) and guide (direct). Without established laws there is confusion, chaos and anarchy. When laws are adhered to there is order, organization and productivity. When laws are ignored or disobeyed, there will be negative consequences. This is true whether it is man’s law, natural law or God’s law.
The Ten Commandments are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17. The first four commandments lay the foundation of establishing our relationship with God:
- Worship God. Make sure He occupies the throne of your life.
- No idols. Don’t let anything become more important to you than God.
- Revere God. Have awesome respect for God and do not dishonor His name or character.
- Have time for God. Make room in your life for God.
The remaining six commandments emphasize the relationship we should have with our fellowman:
- Honor parents.
- Do not murder.
- Do not commit adultery. The sexual relationship is restricted to Biblical marriage.
- Do not steal.
- Be truthful and honest.
- Do not covet. Don’t desire what belongs to another.
God’s commandments (laws) are given to us as rules to live by. If we honor them there will be positive results. If we disobey them, there will be negative consequences. Let us honor God and benefit ourselves by obeying God and His laws!
-Tony Cooper
Celebrating 26 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
