Rules or Relationship?

Read Exodus 20:1-21

What's the first thing you think of when you hear the phrase - The Ten Commandments? Is it Charlton Heston? Is it ancient and outdated rules? Or do you think about relationship?

Most think The Ten Commandments are all about rules when the truth is verse one tells us what it's all about. When God spoke these words - I am the LORD your God - He was telling Israel and telling us from the start He is all about desiring a relationship with His people.

When I read the commandments I see something Jesus Himself said. Jesus said, Love God and Love people. And this is the same thing The Ten Commandments tell us. The first four commandments have everything to do with honoring our Father in Heaven. And the last six commandments have everything to do with honoring people.

Ultimately in verse 20 Moses says God has given these commands to test our trust, to test our relationship with Him. And finishes by saying - "so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

Friends, God's always desired to have us in a right relationship with Him. Let's remember The Ten Commandments are all about honoring our Father by having no other gods before Him, by not taking part in idolatry or attributing to His name anything that cuts at the core of His character and finally by keeping the Sabbath, a days rest when we can reflect on the relationship God has established with His children. And let's be His people who also honor others.