EXPOSE | The two sides to a command
“Though most of the commandments are given in the form of a negative (“You shall not . . .”), each commandment should be understood to have both a negative and a positive dimension: something it forbids and something it requires.” – Joe Rigney, President of Bethlehem College & Seminary
EXPLORE | What does the Lord require?
Have you ever enjoyed being given a command?
Personally, I can’t think of one instance.
When it happens, I immediately recall the angry coaches from my past. There was a lot of commanding, of everyone, on just about everything. Stop! Go! Faster! What were you thinking?!
In addition to the angry coaches (isn’t that a requirement for being a coach?), there were my exasperated parents. Again, mostly my fault, but another good opportunity for me to ‘be commanded.’
I’m not sure if a command is harder to receive because I was caught acting in a way that required someone to respond to me like that, or that being given a command to do something means that there is a commander–and I’m not him.
It might be that the Israelites were feeling a little bit of both. At one point, it was necessary that Moses, on behalf of Yahweh, present them with the 10 Commandments.
Maybe it was the timing of when they were handed down, but it is so easy to assume they are just a list of what we should and shouldn’t do. However, that would be unfortunate because it would mean missing how it reflects God Himself.
The commandments not only show us what God wants; they show us what God is like. They say something about his honor, his worth, and his majesty. They tell us what matters to God.
Kevin DeYoung, senior pastor of Christ Covenant Church, Council member of The Gospel Coalition, and associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary
As Joe Rigney highlighted earlier: along with a negative, there is a positive. And looking at that positive will help us understand what it is God intended for us to do with the 10 Commandments.
EXECUTE | Living with distinction
You could almost argue that the 10 Commandments are the means to fulfilling what the Lord requires of us: “to do justice… love kindness… and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)
He has told you, O man, what is good;
Micah 6:8 (ESV)
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
While I loath checklists, I do find that framing things properly can be very helpful. Here is how I see the “positive side” of the 10 Commandments providing us a framework for living out the character of God. Why? Because our world, and, the United States of America in particular, need to see it–be confronted with it–in truth and love.
In front of the commandment is that positive application that we can recite in our quiet times, if not at the start of each day.
I will worship God alone. | “You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
There is nothing else–and no one else–worthy of our worship. Worship can be a tricky thing. We can begin to appreciate something a little too much and elevate it to a level of “reverence and adoration” that should only be reserved for God. How subtly something we thought was beneficial and were in control of can become something we protect in spite of its detriment.
I will worship God as Spirit. | “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” – Exodus 20:4
No ‘thing’ can represent God, therefore there is no alternative but to worship Him as Spirit. I think this can even include anything we hang on our walls or put on our desks; the pithy quote, the inspiring location. We begin to look to it, rather than look to, or, think of, God. What comes to mind is the thing, not the omni-being that cannot be relegated to an image of any form.
I will honor the name of God with my mouth. | “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” – Exodus 20:7
How we choose to use God’s name, from word choice to the reverence in our voice, speaks to the high opinion we hold of our Father. The strength and power of His name are simply above our handing foolishly. We can’t even consider it as an option.
I will rest. | “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” – Exodus 20:8
This is a unique and purposeful rest. We are called into a cycle of stopping and reflecting, ceasing our striving and dwelling in God’s presence. In one way, it is a ‘yoke-check’–in that, we reflect on whether or not we are under Jesus’ ‘light and easy yoke’, or the burdensome, overwhelming heavy yoke of this world.
I will respect and obey authorities. | “Honor your father and mother.” – Exodus 20:12
Of course, this is a great place to start. However, it doesn’t end with our parents. Respecting the position God has given someone, and, that they have been created by God, is crucial to our accomplishing God’s will, God’s way. When we choose to steer outside our lane can directly and disruptively contradict God’s intention and potentially injure others at the same time.
I will “respect and protect human life.” | “You shall not murder.” – Exodus 20:13
While we are to respect and obey those that are over us, we also are expected to care for and protect the innocent, vulnerable, and defenseless. Neither our words nor our actions should be lethal, and we are to put ourselves in front of those needing protection.
I will “drink from my own well.” | “You shall not commit adultery.” – Exodus 20:14
If God can, and does, satisfy all our needs, then our need for physical intimacy has been met by the spouse that He has provided for us. As challenging as this may seem at times, we are not justified in seeking this satisfaction in any other way. Keep your eyes off ‘other wells’ and solely focus on yours.
I will leave alone what isn’t mine. | “You shall not steal.” – Exodus 20:15
Tell me this doesn’t bring back memories from childhood–either raising a child or back when you were one:
Child: “Why can’t I have it?”
Parent: “Because it isn’t yours.”
Child: “But I want it!”
It can seem quite impossible to resist wanting what isn’t ours. So, without permission or right, we take it. It is more than resisting temptation, but realizing that it is God’s intention that THEY have “that thing” and not you. Be secure and revel in the fact that God has intentioned other things for you.
I will represent. | “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16
When we keep our word and take a stand for the truth, we are like pylons holding up the extensive boardwalks along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Firmly planted as they withstand the crashing waves, they provide crucial support and exposure to what is right and true.
I will be content. | “You shall not covet… anything that is your neighbor’s.” – Exodus 20:17
The heart wants what the heart wants. And that is the problem. However, when we are satisfied as described in Psalm 16, we will be less distracted by what others have and better able to be contented by what God provides. God cares for us broadly and very personally. He knows your needs, wants, desires, temptations, hopes, dreams… we. can rest assured that He will provide what we need when we need it.
Our lives will be distinct and reflect the character of God when we abide by the 10 Commandments. Our code, our creed, should be to abide by that which reveals as the Great Commander. It isn’t just meant for our sakes, but the purpose He has for each of lives.
Further reading:
Whose commands are these?
What does the Lord require of me?
10 things you should know about the Ten Commandments
Exodus 20
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash