The Best and Hardest Paths to Following the Ten Commandments
During the last night of His life, Jesus fulfilled the Law and instructed His followers with a new commandment: “I am giving you a new commandment that you love one another just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
Understanding the Ten Commandments
Retracing the origins and essence of the Ten Commandments found in Matthew 22:36-40, these commandments form the cornerstone of the religious and ethical framework that followers of monotheistic religions chiefly adhere to. According to Jesus, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind; and the second is like the first: love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments are summarized by Jesus as the foundation upon which the entire Law and Prophets rest.
The Easiest Commandment: Love for God
The first commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," is described as the simplest form in the context of the modern world. Most people today do not worship Odin or any other pagan gods. Those who do typically do not follow the Ten Commandments, even if they might adhere to a similar moral code. However, this verse is not as straightforward as it might seem. Adapting it to modern context, it means not worshipping any 'gods' or entities that take precedence over one's relationship with God. While it is easier for many to resist such beliefs, the true challenge lies in the depth of this devotion.
The Hardest Commandment: Love for Others
The second commandment, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not bear false witness; thou shalt not covet; and if any man lying with a woman shall have cohabited with her (act of love), and they be not married to each other, they shall both die the death," is described as metaphorical and challenging. It is easier to resist the worship of Odin or any other gods that are foreign to one's culture, but it is much harder to avoid the temptation of running after political ideologies or personal pleasures.
Focusing on Jesus' Teachings for Real Encouragement
The path to following the Ten Commandments is not about strictly adhering to a list of rules, but rather focusing on the essence of Jesus' teachings. Love for God and love for one's neighbor encapsulate the entire Law and the Prophets. The first commandment to love God is somewhat natural, as it involves respect, reverence, and a desire to please Him. However, the second commandment is far more challenging. The kind of agape love that God expects is selfless and sacrificial, requiring divine intervention to fully understand and apply.
Developing Spiritual Maturity
A true desire to love God results in a natural outpouring of love for others. As a person grows spiritually and becomes more attuned to the Holy Spirit, they are better equipped to live out this commandment. True devotion to God naturally leads to a deeper understanding and application of the second commandment. This process requires continuous spiritual growth and the support of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments provide a framework for ethical and moral living, but the true challenge lies in translating these commandments into daily life. By focusing on the love of God and the love of neighbor, one can navigate the complexities of modern life with a clearer conscience and deeper faith.