Lessons to Live BySample

Freedom Through Boundaries

What can we say about the Ten Commandments? A bunch of don’t do this and don’t do that? Imagine playing a competitive sport where the boundaries are not clear. What would be the point? Imagine the frustration if the rules kept changing because they were being made up on the run as the game was being played. 

These Ten Commandments provide a context for living a life in obedience to God; they provide freedom because the boundaries are clear. 

In Mark 12:28–43, Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment and He summed it all up and said to love God, and to love your neighbour. This is what it is all about. 

The people of Israel had been in the desert for just over three months and there was God setting out the basis for the rules of their society and their relationship with God. These commandments are clear and unambiguous. We know them, but what do they mean for us now? 

I think the last part of the chapter gives us good guidance. We should be in awe of God. Take what He says seriously, apply these commandments to our lives. When God is first, everything else falls into place in the light of that. Let us put God first in all aspects of our lives and give Him the honour He is due. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3).

Written by DAVID BARKER