The Ten Commandments: A Priceless Treasure for Families
The Ten Commandments: A Priceless Treasure for Families
By Joseph Parker
The Ten Commandments are a jewel – a great treasure found in the written Word of God. They form a foundation of wisdom for everything in the Bible. Every other command in Scripture derives its wisdom or insight directly or in principle from the truths found in the Ten Commandments.
They flow from the heart and mind of God. They contain eternal wisdom, insight, and understanding concerning God and our relationship to Him. They also contain insight about life and our relationships with other people. Since our dealings with others are often related to the things of this world (like goods and services), the Ten Commandments provide God’s will and guidance there as well.
They are both a unique gift as well as a lasting treasure from the Lord. We would be wise to lead our families by their wisdom. How do we do that? How can the Ten Commandments help us in our walk and life as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? Here are a few things to consider:
- Read the Ten Commandments at least every other day (Exodus 20:1 – 17).
- Pray the Ten Commandments every day with your family.
- Teach your children the meaning of each of the Ten Commandments.
- Have them in a visible place for all to see in your home.
- Consistently talk with your children about ways to apply them in everyday life.
- Trust God to help you live them before your family. We are not perfect, but we can and should faithfully seek to walk faithfully by them.
How to Pray the Ten Commandments:
Lord, thank you for this day. Help me to put You first in every way and in all that I do. Help me Lord, to not make or have any graven images. Help me Lord, to not take your name in vain. Help me, Father, to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Lord, help me this day to honor my father and mother. Lord, help me this day, to not murder. Help me to not commit adultery. Help me to not steal. Help me, Lord, to tell the truth. Help me, Lord, to not covet. Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Parents, there is no way to overstate the value of teaching your children the Ten Commandments (as well as how to pray them). This allows the Word of God to be planted in their hearts. And as children learn to pray them it allows the Holy Spirit to help and empower them to walk in their wisdom and counsel which will result in tremendous spiritual enrichment.
An important challenge to every believer who desires to faithfully live and follow the Lord Jesus Christ is to make it your goal to teach the Ten Commandments to your children and grandchildren. Help them to memorize them in short form and teach them the meaning of each one. Also, seek opportunities to teach them in Bible Study to children or church school.
Consider this sad reality. How many of our youth have been killed tragically as they attempted to steal something? I recently heard a tragic news story of a 17-year-old young man who took a small item from a convenience store and walked out without paying for it. The store clerk picked up a gun and stepped outside and shot the young man dead. What a tragedy!
What if a dad or a mom, a pastor or a Sunday school teacher, or a faithful servant of the Lord who started a Bible club for children in the community had taught that young man the Ten Commandments (which includes “You shall not steal”)? What if someone had invested their time to invite him to disciple him? Maybe he would be alive today.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we must be about our Father’s business. Let’s take the Great Commission seriously. Go into all the world and make disciples. A great and powerful tool to help us do this faithfully and effectively with children – and adults, is the Ten Commandments.