1. Have no other God's before me
2. Do not make or maintain idols in your life
3. Do not take the Lord's name in Vain
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
5. Honor your Father and Mother
6. Do not murder
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal
9. Do not bear false witness
10. Do not covet.
While several of these commandments are full of truths that present definite struggles for us today, several really don't most pose major problems for us on a regular basis. I would venture to guess most of us don't struggle with murdering, stealing, committing adultery, but others do still present very real challenges for us.
This morning I was reading through 1 Thessalonians 5 where I think God's present His 11 Commandments for the Christian and their daily walk.
The 11 Commandments / Admonitions of the Church (verses 12-22)
1. Admonish the unruly
2. Encourage the fainthearted
3. Help the weak
4. Be patient with everyone
5. Do not repay evil with evil, but always seek what is good for everyone
6. Rejoice always
7. Pray without ceasing
8. In everything give thanks for it is the will of God
9. Do not quench the Spirit
10. Do not despise prophetic utterances, but examine everything
11. Hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil
As important as the Ten Commandments of Exodus are for us in our Christian walk, the 11 Commandments of 1 Thessalonians 5 are crucial in our daily life and interaction with those around us. Christ calls us to these 11 things to enhance and encourage each other not only in our Christian communities, but in our circles of friends/family/influence.
When I had this thought this morning about this blog post, I found myself realizing my struggle at times with each one of these challenges. I struggle with portions of the 10 Commandments, but they're not always so previlant in my day-to-day attitude. This is not a list of things to pick and choose which I'd like to work on and follow. These admonitions are all mandatory in an effective Christian life. I know I struggle with all of these at times and God has definitely reminded me of the daily work I have to do. How about you?
-Ryan
