The Ten Commandment Principles for Decision Making
I must confess that I have not always appreciated the 10 Commandments as something for Christians to emphasize. It’s not that I disagree with their statements. I very much agree and uphold the teachings of the 10 Commandments. Rather, it’s that, as a Christian, I’d rather not emphasize a legalistic code over and above the freedom of the Gospel (e.g., basically the entire books of Romans, Galatians, and Colossians).
To that end, I have struggled with articulations of the 10 Commandments found in Catechisms, where the Catechism expects me to teach children a list of rules. It has felt legalistic, even though I agree with the principles.
The video below from Dr. Charles Stanley changed that for me today. In speak about wise decision making, Dr. Stanley advocates that Christians cling to biblical principles rather than momentary preferences. When he used an example of telling lies (the 9th commandment) to demonstrate how preferences often betray us from principles, I suddenly realized the vast importance of the 10 Commandments, especially in guiding our daily decision making.
Namely, if I choose to pursue God-honoring principles (such as the 10 Commandments) and allow those principles to anchor deep within my nature, when a difficult decision faces me (especially ethical decisions), the anchored foundation of the 10 Commandments will help me make quick, God-honoring decisions without wavering.
The Ten Commandments
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not give false testimony.
You shall not covet.
