God’s Timeless Truths
The Big Ten—The Pathway to Happiness
The Ten Commandments are found in the Bible in Exodus 20:3-17. Most people are familiar with the shortened version of the Ten Commandments, but it is important to occasionally read the original version in the Old Testament for a better understanding of these life-shaping principles. These commandments were given to Moses and were written by the finger of God on “tables” of stone.
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. (Exodus 31:18, 32:15-16)
When Moses returned from communing with God, he found the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. Their idolatry and wickedness filled him with anger and he broke these Ten Commandments.
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. (Exodus 32:19)
Moses, in great sorrow, continued to pray and intercede for this people whom he loved. Once again, because these commandments were so important, God wrote them a second time on stone tables.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. (Exodus 34:1)
If we believe the Bible to be the word of God, we must also believe the Ten Commandments are true principles, especially after God literally spelled them out for us—twice. I refer to them as “The Big Ten.”
“The Big Ten” are absolute truths that never vary, and they will lead us onto that one and only true pathway to happiness. If the world would return to living these ten basic rules of conduct, it would be filled with peace.
I love these inspired commandments. As I have reflected on their meaning over the years, I have come to understand how I can really apply them to my life. I have written my own personal interpretation for each of these commandments below.
The Pathway to Happiness
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. I will love my Heavenly Father and recognize that it is through His great power alone that I am here today.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. I will show my loyalty to God by always putting Him first in my life above all other people and possessions.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. I will reverence the names of God and Jesus Christ and choose to only use language that reflects my personal integrity.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. I will organize my priorities and obligations so each Sunday is a peaceful day of rest, renewal, and recommitment to spirituality.
Honour thy father and thy mother. I will continually strengthen my family relationships and do those things that I know will bring honor to my parents’ names.
Thou shalt not kill. I will appreciate the sacredness of life and strive to not injure other as I replace feelings of anger with forgiveness.
Thou shalt not commit adultery. I will respect my own body and keep all intimate relationships within the holy bonds of marriage between husband and wife.
Thou shalt not steal. I will enjoy the challenge of hard work that provides the necessities of life and rewards me with great personal satisfaction.
Thou shalt not bear false witness. I will be honest in everything I say and do so I can always live in peace with myself and others.
Thou shalt not covet. I will feel sincere gratitude and contentment for all that the Lord has seen fit in His wisdom to give me.