God’s Commandments

The question of whether the Ten Commandments should be posted on public property is a passionate one, but many are unaware of another related conflict. The Ten Commandments are actually numbered differently by Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Jews, creating yet another controversy! The discussion over the posting of the Ten Commandments on public property has lasted for a long time, but most of the controversy has settled on whether they should be posted. Conflict also exists over how they ought to be posted. Protestants split the commandment regarding no other gods and making no graven images into two commandments, while Roman Catholics keep those commandments together and split the commandment regarding covetousness. In addition, Jewish tradition recognizes “I am the Lord Your God” as part of the first commandment, unlike the others.

The original Hebrew does not number the commandments, but whatever you believe about the numbering of the Ten Commandments and where they are posted, there is a more important question. Are God’s commandments posted on your heart? God’s laws reflect His heart for His people. Rather than arbitrary rules, they are created with the ultimate law of God as their basis: love for God and love for others.

A person with God’s commandments posted on his or her heart will reflect that love in the way they live their lives. We choose to worship God alone out of love and respect for Him. We refuse to commit adultery or covet because we care about those we love. We don’t steal because we respect the property of those around us. God’s laws are perfectly in tune with His character of love. When our hearts are in tune with Him, that love shines through us.

Key Bible Texts

And God spake all these words, saying, (Exodus 20:1 KJV)