The Value of the Ten Commandments

# The Value of the Ten Commandments

Louisiana, located in the southern United States, is a place that experiences many natural disasters and floods, yet has also faced numerous struggles regarding religion in schools in recent years. In 2023, Louisiana, along with nearly 20 other states, requested and allowed officials in public schools to display the national motto, "In God We Trust." On June 19, 2024, the Republican governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, signed a new law—HB71—making Louisiana the first state in the United States to require the display of the Ten Commandments in all classrooms in public schools. The law requires that "the Ten Commandments be displayed exactly as written in the law—printed in a frame with minimum dimensions of 11 inches by 14 inches and in 'large, easily readable' lettering."

Thank God for giving some leaders who still understand the value of the Ten Commandments! Indeed, the Ten Commandments remain important to this day, for they are God's Word, which always helps people learn how to live in right relationships with God, with themselves, with others, and with all things. The Ten Commandments also teach people the proper way to serve God, to live truthfully with others, and to open their hearts to receive the grace of Jesus Christ. The Ten Commandments also reveal to people that: We need forgiveness and help, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, because no one can follow the Ten Commandments perfectly.

The Ten Commandments are found in the Old Testament of the Bible, in Exodus chapter 20 and Deuteronomy chapter 5. According to the Bible, God gave the Commandments to the prophet Moses to teach the Israelites how to live and to receive blessings if they obeyed His Word wholeheartedly. The Ten Commandments remain relevant to this day, for they address the responsibility of every believer toward God and others. When the Pharisees came to ask Jesus to test Him, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:36-40). Thus, Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments into two: "Fear God and love people." Although these two seem simple, they are not easy to fulfill completely. We must be careful, memorize the Ten Commandments, and should write them down, print them on paper, and post them on the wall in our homes in a place where we can see them every day so we do not forget. May the Holy Spirit guide us, teach us, strengthen us, and give us grace to fear God with all our hearts, obey Him, and love all people; so that our lives become a living testimony to those around us, that they may see the power of God's Word, the eternal love of Jesus Christ, and open their hearts to receive Him as the Savior of their souls! Amen!

The Commandments, Scripture, God bestows, Absolute, all-powerful, beyond compare, With all strength and heart, hold them fast, Practice and live the faith, finding peace and care! All things, in serving God, we do, Trials and hardships, we do not fear, Faithful to Him, loving all people, Merciful and compassionate, sharing everywhere! We pray the Holy Spirit guides us, Teaching us to live our whole lives through, Glory to His Name throughout the earth, The world may know God, everywhere true!

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