“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love…” (John 15:10)

I can’t overstate the global influence of the 10 Commandments. They have shaped not only individuals, but entire societies. 

To a lot of people, however, they seem random. But they’re not. Amongst other things, they actually reflect God’s character. 

For example, we shall not murder because God is a life-giving God. We shall not commit adultery because God is monogamous and faithful toward his people. We shall not steal because God is a generous provider. We shall not bear false witness because God is fully truthful.

J Alec Montyer says that living by God’s law “triggers in us the image of God which is our real nature. In other words, we live the truly human life when we obey the Lord’s law.”*

Of course, we are all made in God’s image no matter how we act. But just as a wrist watch was made to tell time (instead of hammer nails), so we were made to know, glorify and serve our Creator and Redeemer.

Do you feel as if God’s commands are random and restrictive? If so, perhaps you’re not thinking big enough. When we live in a way that is consistent with God’s will, things get better, not worse.

Let’s live by faith and trigger within us the image of God which is our real nature.

Notes and extra content:

-“From Slavery to Royalty.” Part 1 in the 10 Commandments series. Click here.
-*As quoted by Paul Carter on the Into the Word Podcast. Episode: Exodus 20.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.