Far From Harmless

Some people believe that as long as we aren’t hurting others or breaking the law, innocent “white” lies can make life more pleasant. That’s the most common justification given for what many call “white lies” (lies that are intended to shield the recipient from otherwise painful or uncomfortable truths. Can a lie truly not hurt anyone? Can it really be told with good intentions? Truth is, all lies—white or otherwise—operate on the premise of deception. They take the truth and either shade, twist or completely deface it. They also harm the person telling the lie and corrupting good character.

When it comes to honesty, God and Satan stand in two opposite corners. God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2), while Satan is “a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

God tells us not to lie in the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16). The world is not a better place because of our white lies. White lies—and all other kinds—have resulted in the continual distrust and skepticism that plagues society. There are always alternatives. In many cases where our opinion could be hurtful, we can avoid saying anything. Other times, with thought and sensitivity, we can find things to say that are kind and tactful—“speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

Won’t it be great when the whole world finally keeps the Ninth Commandment?

Theft Is Wrong—Plain and Simple

God said simply, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). What God says is wrong is wrong. His law doesn’t contain escape clauses, and what He calls wrong we cannot allow ourselves to think of as right or even justifiable under certain circumstances. Theft in any of its forms—whether of a candy bar or $150 million—means depriving someone else of the fruits of their labor.

The world tells us, “If you want it, take it.” God tells us, “If you want it, earn it.” The things worth having often require effort on our part, but this is not a hindrance—instead, it helps us appreciate what we’ve worked for. We work to maintain friendships. We work to make the income necessary to live. We work to maintain our relationship with God.

A world without theft will be a world where locked doors, alarm systems and other precautions are no longer required for protection. Can you imagine a world focused on giving rather than getting?

Won’t it be great when the whole world finally keeps the Eighth Commandment?

Sex Is a Gift From God

The Seventh Commandment, thundered by God from Mount Sinai, states, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Straightforward enough, but when Jesus came to earth, He made it clear that the commandment was not dealing exclusively with physical actions, but also underlying attitudes. He said: “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

That takes things to a whole new level. It’s not enough to just keep from sex outside of marriage, but to keep our minds clean of the lust to do so. Adultery destroys relationships. For the married man or woman, it will seriously damage the marriage relationship along with the essential trust in it. There are no upsides to the abuse of the gift of sex. Even the lustful attitude leading to sex outside of marriage is condemned because its ultimate result is an ugly mess of lies, deceit, hurt, sorrow and anger.

Such things have no place in God’s family. He instead wants to see us find incredible joy and pleasure in a fulfilling, monogamous marriage—the same type of loving, enduring relationship that Christ has with His Church (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Won’t it be great when the whole world finally keeps the Seventh Commandment?

If Thoughts Could Kill

Christ told His disciples, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). “Angry” here implies a deep wrath or hatred of one’s brother. What we learn here is that God’s command in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder,” was not intended solely as a restriction against taking someone’s life. The attitude behind murder—hatred of another being—is also forbidden.

Christ explained: “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Why? “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven… Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-45, 48).

God was willing to send His Son to die for us. If anyone has a right to hate someone else, God does. And yet, we read that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16)—so much so that He wants to include its people in His eternal family.

Honoring Mom and Dad

In the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12), God instructs, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” God takes family relations seriously. He wants us to be children in His family (1 John 3:1). But such a family is impossible without the correct relations between each member—especially honor.

It’s important to note that there’s no “if” clause in the Fifth Commandment. We are not told, “Honor your father and your mother unless/until [insert reason here].” We are to honor them always. That may be difficult when families are in chaos.

As a representative of your family’s name, you choose whether or not you bring honor or dishonor to your parents by your actions. What you do (and even don’t do) will affect how people see not only you, but those related to you. When we choose to bring honor to our family name and our parents, it opens up the potential for a long and happy life.

Won’t it be great when the whole world finally keeps the Fifth Commandment?