The Ten Commandments (reimagined)

1. Worship and serve God above all else, for God is the one who truly sets us free.  Worship in spirit and truth, loving God above all else.
2. Use the name of God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving, and to call on God in time of need.
3. Remember the Sabbath – the day of rest and gladness.  Take the opportunity for worship, and let the word of God dwell in you richly.
4. Honour your father and your mother and all those who are entrusted with your well-being, safety, and nurturing.  Have mutual honour, love and respect in these relationships.
5. Show your love for God and others by helping and supporting others in all that they need for life.
6. Show your love for God and others by your faithfulness to your spouse.  Love, honour and respect the one who is your life’s partner.
7. Show your love for God and others by helping others to improve and protect their property and income.  Deal with others honestly and respectfully.
8. Show your love for God and others by speaking well of others and interpreting their actions in the best possible light.  Speak the truth in love.
9. Show your love for God and others by helping others to keep what is rightfully theirs – especially when it gives them shelter and a roof over their head.
10. Show your love for God and others by seeking your neighbour’s well-being in all matters.  Support them in maintaining all that they need for life, and encourage others to be faithful and honest in their work.

1. You shall have no other gods.
2. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.
3. Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.
4. Honour your father and your mother.
5. You shall not murder.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
9. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

The reimagined commandments (or, literally, the “ten words” in Hebrew) are based on Luther’s Small Catechism.  They imagine the things that we are free to do because God has set us free from the power of sin and death in our baptism into Christ.

      See what you think, as we continue our Lenten journey.

                        In Christ,

                        Pastor Lynne Hutchison