The 10 Commandments Explained, By Roger Behra

SHORT COMMUNICATION 75

The 10 Commandments Explained

By

Roger Behra

A very recent article in The Orange County Register in California revealed the fact that religious living in the United States has declined to under 50%. The irreligious, therefore, are in the majority. As a result no one should be surprised at the increased amount of evil going on in the modern American culture. It is an accurate conclusion to assume that little knowledge and/or practice of the 10 Commandments is in effect. That is a very sad situation, indeed.

In communication N°. 78 the Commandments are listed, but no explanation between the Commandment and the evil it forbids is given. That will take place now in this communication. It must be known the connection between the Commandment and the evil it forbids. You will read more about them later.

A Commandment given by God is an order to obey a law controls behavior, and the controlled behavior is for benefit of all of us. God knew what was good for us.

The two great Commandments are: love God with all your mind, heart, and actions, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. When we do this, we are also trying to keep the 10 Commandments, which shuts out evil actions in our lives. The 10 Commandments and the evil they help us avoid are:

1. I am the Lord your God, you shall not prefer man-made gods to me.
* God must be the center our life. We must pray to Him and worship Him.

2. You shall not take the name of your God in vain.
* Always use the name of god and Jesus reverently, and no blasphemy
or breaking of an oath.

3. Keep holy the Sabbath Day.
* Attend church, enjoy rest, no unnecessary work, enjoy sports, hob
hobbies, etc.

4. Honor you father and mother.
* No disobedience, hatred, threatening, cursing, striking, insulting,
unkindness, wishing evil, and must respect and obey just laws of
church and state.

5. You shall not kill.
* Safeguard life and health and physical welfare of ourselves and
others. Forbids murder, abortion, recklessness, anger, hatred,
sterilization, misuse of alcohol and drugs.

6. You shall not commit adultery.
* No adultery, fornication, self-abuse, impurity in thought, word, deed,
indecent dressing, or unnatural acts together, alone, or with
animals.

7. You shall not steal.
* No robbery, burglary, graft, bribes, cheating, taking or keeping
property of others, damaging property of others, addiction to
gambling.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
* No lying, gossip, perjury, rash judgment, unjust criticism, revealing
secrets, hurting reputations, revealing other’s sins.

9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or husband.
* No impure thoughts and desires about them.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
* No desire for property belonging to others.

These 10 Commandments cover the thinking and actions that lead to evil in people’s lives when they are broken. It is very clearly understandable that knowing and keeping them is the best behavior for a clear conscience and a very orderly and peaceful life free from the scourge of evil. God gave them to us out of His love for us. God wants us to have the best happy life here on earth and to be happy with Him for all eternity. Indeed, we should try very hard to keep them, and we should always be thankful for both His Commandments and His great love for us.

What prompted this communication was the revelation that most pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, and many adults do not know the 10 Commandments, and, therefore do not keep them. And that is the answer to the abundance of evil in the modern world. Please, parents learn the 10 Commandments and how they help us. Then, teach to your children. You can make life better for so many.

R. B.

05/24/09