The "New" Ten Commandments

Our small group is meeting tonight, and we are discussing how important our words are. We have the power to create life and tear life down with our words. We thought we'd look at the Ten Commandments and "rewrite" them - based on positive language. Many of you are familiar with the "Thou Shalt Not" language; we thought it would be interesting to express what we believe. I think many Christians are good at telling people what they're against: don't drink, don't smoke, don't date folks who do. And I believe we need to do a better job of letting people know what we stand for, what we believe. So, this is my stab at the "New" Ten Commandments - written in positive language. I hope you enjoy. 

God made sure these words got out to the people – through YouTube, Twitter, blogs, Facebook, and other conventional and nontraditional means:

Hi, I’m God. I made everything you enjoy: air, water, mountains, good food, laughter, friendship.  I bring you out of the house of forgetfulness when you lose your focus.

Do your best to get to know me, believe me, and trust me.  Make me the biggest part of your life. 

There are a lot of things out there that will try to pull your attention away from me.  But I believe in you; I know you can resist all the bright, shiny things that promise something better than my love.  Stay on guard.  I do; I’m faithful and will continue to look out for you and reach out to you.  Pay attention. 

Use my name as much as you like; but make sure you use it to bring about life.  You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you respect my name, and the names of your neighbors.

Take time for yourself, and for your family and friends.  In fact, I created a day just for you – the Sabbath.  This is a day for you to enjoy yourself, to rest, eat, pray, sleep, worship, watch Netflix, take a walk, or play with your dog.  You get the idea.  I made this day for you.  Enjoy the gift, and help others enjoy this gift, too. 

Family is important to me – no matter how it’s constructed: mom and dad, mom and mom, dad and dad, mom by herself, dad by himself.  Family is important to me.  Whoever you consider your parents to be, remember they’re not perfect.  Love them.  Forgive them.  Help them when they get old.  Do your best to stay connected. 

Encourage each other, cheer for each other, believe in each other.  Give life in all you say and do. 

The love between two people is powerful.  Honor that.  Respect that.  Be humble in its presence.  Learn from it – and each other.  Get through the tough times together.  Laugh together.  Cry together.  Be truthful with each other.  Make loving choices. 

You need less than you think you do to live.  You are blessed in countless ways.  But, try to count them.  You’ll be amazed at how much you truly have. 

Be truthful and respectful in all situations.  Your words have the power to create life.  Remember…mine do. 

Work together in building relationships and community.  Offer yourself, your household, and your gifts to your neighbor.  In turn, they will open themselves, their households, and their gifts to you.  When you do this, you will bring the Kingdom of God to your neighborhood.