Do the Ten Commandments still apply to us today?

The Ten Commandments are just as valid today as when God gave them to Moses over 3,000 years ago. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law” (Matthew 5:18).  Billy Graham

Jesus also said, “If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17)

Exodus 20

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

A god is whatever you put first in your life. It literally could mean worshipping other gods by joining cults or strange religions. It could be money, power, or whatever you are devoting yourself to other than God.

2.  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Don’t turn God into something he’s not. Don’t bow down or worship any type of idol or carved image.

3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.

Don’t swear in God’s name for He is holy, pure, and perfect. Don’t misuse His name in any way and worship Him with reverence and seriousness.

4. Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.

God rested on the seventh day. He expects us to do the same.  The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship. Take a break.

5. Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Obey and respect your parents. Provide for them if they are in need, take care of them if they are ill. Honoring them should continue even beyond their death.

6. You shall not murder.

Do not kill out of anger, jealousy, or any act of hatred or selfishness. Even thinking of doing harm to someone is a sin. Commit yourself to the opposite of hatred and anger – love and reconciliation.

7. Do not commit adultery.

Adultery is a voluntary sexual relationship between a married person and a person other than his or her spouse. Pornography and looking at someone with lustful eyes is adultery. Keep your body and soul between you and your spouse.

8. You shall not steal.

There are many forms of stealing, and in God’s sight, the character of those who steal a little is the same as those who steal a lot.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

This is not just a judicial matter. You cannot lie in court, but it’s also gossip and lying about someone. Don’t do this. Keep your heart lovely and don’t have a lying tongue.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, house, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Be content with what you have. Don’t set your desires on anything that belongs to someone else. Don’t be jealous or envious of what someone has. God is able to provide us with everything we need, even if He doesn’t give us everything we want.