I read an interesting bulletin article recently from a friend and fellow preacher, Edd Sterchi. I've copied it below and done some minor expanding. It is my hope that all will take his excellent words to heart and meditate upon them.

The requirements of the Old Law were nailed to the cross--including the Ten Commandments (cf. Col. 2:14). Thus, the Ten Commandments as received by Moses are not a part of the law we follow today. But, we should note that nine of the ten commands are repeated in the New Testament as a part of Christ's law for Christians to follow.

All that being said, let's suppose (for the sake of personal reflection) that God was going to "rewrite" the Ten Commandments based upon how some--who profess to be Christians--are living today. They might look something like this:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me-- except in the cases of certain entertainers, sports teams, and hobbies.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image--unless it is the latest in fashion statements, everyone else is wearing them, or it looks nice displayed in your home.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain-- unless you have hit your thumb with a hammer, are very angry, or are with the "in" crowd.

4. Remember the day of worship--unless you have family in town, the fish are biting, or you've had a rough week and deserve a break.

5. Honor your father and your mother-- except in instances where you disagree with them, it inconveniences you, or you feel they don't deserve it.

6. You shall not murder-- unless your pregnancy would change your life in a way you do not desire, you do not like the person, or you have determined that their life has no value.

7. You shall not commit adultery--unless your spouse no longer makes you happy, someone else looks more appealing, or your co-worker makes a pass at you.

8. You shall not steal-- unless you feel you really need it and don't have the money right now, your boss doesn't treat you right, or you own an iPod.

9. You shall not bear false witness--except in situations where you don't want to admit wrong, you could financially gain from it, or you just want to appear better than you are.

10. You shall not covet-- unless your neighbor has more stuff than you and you feel you deserve it and he doesn't.

So Christian, how are you living? If God were to rewrite any of His commands based upon your life, what would they look like? Let's all resolve to "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (II Tim. 2:22). Additionally, let us never deceive ourselves into thinking that God will make special exceptions for us. "God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34,35). Let us endeavor to be faithful to the Lord in all things!