Sometimes I find myself thinking about the 10 commandments.
They are such a part of of western society that sometimes we don’t even notice the influence they have. Almost everyone agrees that the “big” one’s are a good idea: don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t give false testimony. Other commandments are not always as popular, but most people still think it’s not a good idea to cheat on your spouse, or lust after the things another person has.
But there’s one commandment that always seems to stand out: “remember the Sabbath.” (Exodus 20:8). Doesn’t it seem like a weird thing to add to such a short list? I mean it is a top 10 list. Shouldn’t there be something, I don’t know, more important in that spot?
And yet, that simple commandment was so important that God included it right before he talked about how we shouldn’t murder or cheat. I have to think there’s a link there. I have to believe that God knows when we don’t have the right priorities only bad things can happen.
Out of all the commandments this is the one I break most often. And for those of you about to dial 911, don’t worry I’ve never killed anyone or stolen anything. But I have been furious with people, and according to Jesus that’s enough (Matthew 5:21-22).
So the question becomes, why?
Why do I feel free to break this one? Is it because the other commandments seem so obviously important? Is it because maybe I think I’m a little too good to need special time with God?
I’m not sure I have an answer. But I do know that if God thought this was important enough to be included in such a short list, then I need to rearrange the priorities in my life. I need to make sure I’m making time to build that relationship with God.
