Click on commandment for link to reflection

Background

As part of studying for the Bishop's Certificate we were tasked with a project of our choice, reflecting our reaction to the course. At the same time at house group I have been studying the Ten Commandments. At Bishop's Certificate we studied the history in the Old Testament, including the exodus from Egypt. Looking at the nature of the Ten Commandments in context of the history has inspired me to look at the commandments from a 21st century perspective.

History

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God after the Israelites had been led out of Egypt and were seeking their way in a new land. They represented a covenant that defined the framework for how the Israelites should live their lives.

It did not take long for the Israelites to break the commandments, they were soon worshipping a golden calf and coveting better things.

We are no different today, it is easy to fall short of these commandments. Our challenge is to be different, to commit to trying to live our lives within the framework.



Our inability to keep our part of the covenant with God, meant God needed to act. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our own sinful ways.

This offer demonstrates God's love for us, even when we fail to live up to the requirements of the commandments - He wants to forgive us and offer us a new start.

Overview

The purpose of these pages is to reflect on how these commandments are relevant in the 21st. century. Since starting the project I have been interested to see the results of surveys that show there is an increasing interest in spirituality and people seeking a better framework to raise their children. Another survey showed that many of the Ten Commandments are still considered essential to any value system.

In many ways modern life is very different to that 3000 years ago, but there are still some similarities:
  • We have relationships - family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
  • We have the same basic needs to survive: food and clean water.
  • We need a sense of purpose.
  • Our lives need structure.
  • Many are searching to understand their spirituality.
The commandments are sometimes criticised for being negative - do not this and do not that. In studying them in detail I now see them as being a positive framework; by specifying the exclusions it leaves a whole lot of "Dos" that we can choose from; but leaves us in no doubt where we have over stepped the mark.

Eg. Do not lie could be written as: always be truthful.

By following the commandments we can still have our own identity, but we will be healthier more fulfilled people. Communities could be stronger as a result of more honest relationships, with God restored to a central place in our activities. The commandments offer a framework that many millions of people throughout history have used as the moral standard for their lives.

Each of the reflections on the commandments includes: the specific commandment; my observations on society in the 21st. century; some notes about God's intention for the commandment and a reflection on what this means for us today.

Ian Evans

Prayer

As you read these reflections on the Ten Commandments I pray that you read them with an open mind and heart; that through them you will see the wonderful God who throughout all ages has revealed himself to his people that they may see His infinite love.
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