There have always been those that have broken moral laws set up by God. Biblical restrictions are far more than ten, but following the Ten Commandment’s morality have always been necessary if people are to live together in harmony.
However, in the last forty years or more, biblical lawlessness has been rampant. Because of government, education, and weaker church teachings, the stigma of many taboos and immorality has been removed. Society is out of control. “Right” is often wrong, and “wrong” behaviors are socially accepted and practiced.
When the Ten Commandments, and many of the hundreds more, were discarded, the only remaining social compass was whatever an individual thinks was right. Obviously, that would be different for each person, and havoc would inevitably evolve, and it has.
Here are God’s ten commandments and some of the repercussions that followed when God’s laws were shunned and disobeyed:
- “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
Disobedience to this law has allowed many false religions to creep into nations that years ago would not have been permitted. Some of them deceptively call themselves “Christian.” A closer study of the cult will reveal that they are not Christ-like at all. Their history reveals that they are not worshipping the God of the Bible but are worshipping a man-made deity. - “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Ex. 20:4-5
Toleration of all religions has allowed idolatry to also sneak into “churches.” Statues in some places of worship are accepted as the worshippers claim “We are not praying to the figures,” but they are as far as God is concerned. No one is to have images let alone pray to them or a person they represent. That is still idolatry, and it angers God. - “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Ex. 20:7
“Vain” means to take the name of the holy God lightly, or not respectfully. Cursing with God’s name attached to the curse is vain. His name is also said unrespectfully when someone says “Oh my ___,” and includes His name in the blank. Tolerating swearing increases disrespect to our Creator.
Read an article about swearing in The Bible View #203 at http://openthoumineeyes.com/views/BibleView203.pdf. - “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all[RB1] thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:…” Ex. 20:8-11
The Sabbath Day (Saturday) was to be honored in Old Testament days. Today, the day put aside to honor God is on Sunday. Without putting aside the day to worship and remember God further disrespects Him. When that day was respected, even the unsaved knew Sunday was set aside to worship God.
Read an article about worshipping on Saturday vs. Sunday at http://openthoumineeyes.com/articles/Sunday_or_Sabbath.html. - “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Ex. 20:12
Since the reading of God’s Word has been discouraged in much of society, His commandments have also been ignored. Not knowing the fifth commandment has led to disrespect of parents which results in the family unit collapsing in many situations. - “Thou shalt not kill.” Ex. 20:13
The disobedience to this crucial commandment has lessened the value of human life. Little unborn babies are butchered inside mother’s wombs under the guise of woman’s rights. No one has any right to murder. Elderly and the sick consider suicide, in some societies, rather than face the difficulties they are facing. Lessened punishments are given to some who have murdered others. Taking of life is included in many forms of entertainment including books, video games, and movies. There is nothing entertaining about killing! No wonder that the sin of murder is so rampant. - “Thou shalt not commit adultery” Ex. 20:14
The lack of practice of this commandment has led to an innumerable amount of divorces and broken families. In some circles, adultery is commonplace. - “Thou shalt not steal.” Ex. 20:15
Ignorance of this law has led to not only increased thievery but also a lack of respect for what others have and what they have earned. Some, even politicians, justify taking what one has and give it to others through taxing and other laws. - “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Ex. 20:16
A person’s word is no longer his bond. Many wink at the sin of lying and justify it by saying “the ends justify the means.” No matter the situation, not telling the truth is iniquity! - “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Ex. 20:17
Wanting what another has is so commonplace that most do not even know it is a sin. Whole societies, often encouraged by advertising, are geared around people not being satisfied with what they have and wanting what others have. Covetous is socially accepted in many places!
God knows the sinful nature of man. To help people live together He has laid out many laws that will enable mankind to get along more readily. When the walls of God’s restrictions are removed, chaos and ruin will abound. That is why societies are suffering from today.
God’s way and commandments must again be taught and practiced if people are to live together. God’s way is always best!
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3:24-25
