The Morality of the Ten Commandments

What Can the Ten Commandments Teach Us About Living A Moral Life?

The Ten Commandments as a Moral Code

• At first glance, the Ten Commandments seem to be extremely negative, with the many “shall nots,” “do nots” and “cannots” restricting human activities.

• Instead, the Ten Commandments are meant to free human beings for other activities.

• In this way, the Ten Commandments are similar to the restriction of the Garden of Eden, which freed humanity to try a vast variety of different trees.

• It is up to human beings to see what is possible, instead of focusing on what is not possible.

“I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods

before me.” • Do I honestly have faith in God, and

place God at the center of my life? • Are my priorities material things,

work, school or things not related to God?

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in

vain.” • Do I choose not to take the Lord’s

name in vain, or do I use it for drama?

• Do I choose not to use offensive language?

• Do I use offensive language because other people use it in conversation or in the media?

“Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Sabbath day.”

• Do I attend church or religious services on the weekend?

• Do I spend time in positive activities, take a rest and not obsess or work extra hours (not scheduled)?

• Do I have a chance to share time with family or enjoy God’s gifts, such as nature, family dinner, music or reading?

“Honor your father and mother.”

• Do I speak of, and to, my parents with respect?

• Do I spend time with them and offer them help?

• Do I show respect, honesty and healthy communication patterns toward my parents, grandparents and family?

“You shall not kill.”

• Do I avoid the negative influence of watching violent behavior in television or movies?

• Do I glorify violence?• Do I believe in abortion, euthanasia

or capital punishment (“the Death Penalty?”)

• Do I wish harm to others?

“You shall not commit adultery.”

• Have I been unfaithful in body?• Have I chosen to use pornography or

otherwise participated in virtual or real online relationships outside of marriage?

• Have I cheated on my boyfriend?• Have I used God’s gift of sexuality in a

spirit of experimentation?• Have I used sex to get something I

wanted?

“You shall not steal.”

• Have I ever taken something from another person without them knowing?

• Have I ever cheated, on a test, on a boyfriend, on a family member?

• Have I ever seen someone stealing and not said anything?

“You shall not bear false witness against your

neighbor.” • Do I speak untruths about other people?• Do I spread rumors?• Do I gossip about people? • Do I speak behind people’s back?• Do I lift myself up by putting others

down?• When an untruth is being spoken, do I

stand up for that person?

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse.”

• Do I think of my spouse as my one and only lover?

• Do I accept all aspects of my spouse? • Do I wish my spouse was more like

other people?• Do I lust after or obsess over other

people?

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods and

possessions.” • Am I grateful for the life I have?• Am I grateful for the family I have?• Am I grateful for the home I have?• Am I grateful for the faith I have? • Am I jealous of others’ things or good

fortune?• Do I obsess over what I don’t have?

The Ten Commandments as a Way of Life

• The Ten Commandments are a reference point to teach life lessons.

• Commandments 1, 2 and 3 explain the balanced relationship between people and God.

• Commandment 4 explains the balanced relationship between generations.

• Commandments 5, 6, 7 and 8 explain the balanced relationship between people within a community.

• Commandments 9 and 10 explain the balanced relationship between healthy and unhealthy desires within an individual.

• The Ten Commandments become the raw material that both children and adults can use to learn how to behave in balance and grow in maturity.