The 10 Suggestions

1. Have no other gods before me...I know, the made up ones are much better suited for the desires of this generation...and everyone can pick their own! Just like Subway!
2. Have no idols...unless it's an American Idol, then I completely understand, those kids can really sing, and young people need role models, don't they?
3. Don't take the name of the Lord in vain...just bring film of other people doing it into your home and listen to it...for fun. And get rid of that fishy sticker on your bumper in case you need to exert a little road rage now and then.
4. Remember the Sabbath...while you are sleeping in, or finishing your list of things to do from last week.
5. Honor your parents...be very respectful as you tell them that they don't know what they are talking about and that you are going to do what is best for YOU.
6. Don't murder...but if you do, I'm sure there is some reasonable explanation for why it's not your fault.
7. Do not commit adultery...unless if feels right...as long as you are happy.
8. Do not steal...unless you need it NOW.
9. Do not bear false witness...but if it will get you into more trouble, just use the white kind...they never hurt anyone...that's why they're white.
10. Do not covet...but the American Dream is different...reach for the stars! Have your best life now! You only live once Baby!


I have to remind myself once in awhile, who I belong to. I must remember who paid for my freedom. Good Friday does that very well for me. When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died...see, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down...love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life;

...my house,
my car,
my kids,
my time,
my money,
my dreams,
my desires,
my happiness,
my plans...my all.

Can I really sing those words with Isaac Watts? Can I teach that way of thinking to my kids? The TV shows and commercials don't say that. The ten commandments are seen as suggestions to people. If I am a Christian, that means I am a follower of Christ...who died painfully for me...and gave me very clear commands on how to live my life. Really, it seems a small thing for me to do in return for taking the torture that was supposed to be mine.

Salvation in completely free for me, but cost Him everything. Using His commandments as suggestions just cheapens what He did on the cross. It makes light of His suffering, so that I can life comfortably here on Earth. It says that Jesus and any Christian martyr in history, died in vain, because all we had to do was just "tweek" the commandment and keep the peace. If God's Word is not authoritative, then anything goes and everyone is right...green is red...sweet is our...light is dark...as long as you see it that way. That would be easy. Just not real.

Jesus suffered and died for truth. All He had to do was just tweek His words and Pilate would have let Him go. But He knew what non compromise meant. Pilate's final words to Jesus say it all: "What is truth?" Pilate did not want Jesus to die. He knew Jesus was not guilty and couldn't understand why He was so bent on keeping the truth. Pilate's fear of the people and not keeping the peace was more important to him than the truth about sin, God and our eternity.

To Jesus on that Friday, on that hill, on that old rugged cross, God's commandments were not a suggestion. He understood the truth, the price and the authority of His father. His love compels me to continue striving to have the same resolve He did on that day. I'm no where near it yet, but He has turned my feet in that direction. He walks with me, often carrying me, toward that end. What He asks of me isn't even close to what the cross required of Him, so I am thankful and treasure His commands. They are sweet to me, even when I mess them up. His grace is just as beautiful as His obedience. His forgiveness and restoration brings hope and joy, so much so that His commands are no longer a tiring list on the wall, but written on my heart as treasure to pursue. We all know what happens next. We can all know the power of the Resurrection and the Life...

Sunday is comin'...