The Ten Commandments are more than just a set of ancient rules in the Bible. They are important even today because they teach us how to live peacefully with others. The Bible says God gave these rules to Moses on Mount Sinai, and you can find them in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These commandments are special in Jewish and Christian traditions, but their messages can help everyone.
Let’s explore how these commandments can enrich our personal, everyday lives, and provide spiritual guidance in developing a relationship with God.
What are the 10 Commandments?
It can be helpful to think of the Ten Commandment as guidelines for loving God and your neighbor. Here’s a simple approach often used in teaching children and teens about the Ten Commandments in Christian Science Sunday Schools.
Love God
- Thou shalt have no other gods before me
- Thou shalt not worship graven images
- Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
- Remember the Sabbath Day
Love Your Neighbor
5. Honor thy parents
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10. Thou shalt not envy
Later, in the book of Matthew, Jesus summarized these Ten Commandments into two main ideas.
1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
But how do these ideas relate to our daily lives?
Commandments 1-4: Love God
Loving God is acknowledging His presence and power. It’s reflecting the qualities of God—such as kindness, strength, and compassion—and doing good by expressing these qualities. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has said that when people truly see God, “They will then drop the false estimate of life and happiness, of joy and sorrow, and attain the bliss of loving unselfishly, working patiently, and conquering all that is unlike God.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures p. 262:20-23)
When God tells us not to worship graven images or other gods, it’s a call to devote our time and attention to loving unselfishly and working patiently. By following these guidelines, we find that being kind and patient makes us truly happy. The third commandment reminds us not to use God’s name in vain to justify unkind behavior. Back when the Bible was translated into English, “in vain” meant “without a good reason.” The fourth commandment talks about the Sabbath day. Many Christians take this to mean Sunday, but every day we should take some time to rest and reflect on our actions, our closeness to God, and the joy and strength He is bringing in our lives. As Mrs. Eddy says, “Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has said: ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments.’” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures p 4:9)
Commandments 5-10: Love Your Neighbor
The next six commandments are important and easy to understand. We should not hurt anyone, tell lies, or take things that don’t belong to us. It’s important to remember that we shouldn’t hurt others with our actions or words, but we should keep our promises and show kindness to others.
These commandments are not just rules to follow because they are written in the Bible or benefit the community, but because they are also good for us personally. Living by these commandments in our daily lives brings harmony and joy, not only to those around us but also ourselves.
Commandments in Sunday School and Beyond
The Ten Commandments are one of the first things kids learn in Christian Science Sunday Schools. Because of their significance, Mrs. Eddy emphasized that the Commandments be among the earliest lessons taught to children. Learning to love God, express His qualities, and care for others helps kids grow up to think clearly and make a difference in the world.
We can all set a positive example for the children around us and point out the blessings of following the commandments. If you ever feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain, remember the Ten Commandments’ simple yet powerful guidance to love God and love your neighbor.
Resources
Sunday School classes are Bible-based and open to all children and teens. Classes are usually at the same time as the Sunday church service. Visit individual church websites for details. Church Near Me
You will find children’s board books about the Ten Commandments and illustrated children’s books with Bible stories about Moses, Jesus and others. These books are available to read or purchase at Christian Science Reading Rooms which are open to the public. Find a Reading Room or Shop Online.
If you are interested in Bible study, we have inspiring weekly Bible Lessons. You can listen 24/7 on our Southern California phone line, 323-805-8700, press 1. The Bible lesson is the focus of Sunday church services in all Christian Science churches. For in-depth study, you can read or purchase the lessons at any Christian Science Reading Room or subscribe.
