This post is not going to be about the 10 commandments verses the commandments of Christ. But consider this. Men have laws that have been passed by their governments in various forms. For the most part men have no problems following those laws of their respective lands. When one of those laws are broken by a person, they are subjected to the punishment prescribed by the law in question. So then O Christian, why is it so difficult to understand that Christ’s Commandments are the law of His land? Why do are we cognizant and accepting of the laws of our earthly governments, but ignore what Christ has decreed? In what things has He made decrees you ask? Have you not read Scripture? Isn’t Scripture the Lord’s where He has given men what He has said, done and decreed for His church (ekklesia or called out ones)? If it’s so easy to follow the laws of man, why isn’t it much easier to follow the Commandments of Christ?
It is written in John 14:15 that Jesus said “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” and again in verses 23 & 24, 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
What’s so hard to understand about that? Nothing on the face of it. But what are some of the things He told us to do? In John Chapter 15 we begin to see a little more.
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
Why then are you wasting your time by not reading Scripture? Do not consult men as to its understanding, but consult the Lord Himself through prayer. I often ask the Lord to open my eyes to the Truth of the words I am reading. Dividing the words in context to get the full true meaning of what is reflected there. Become doers of the Word and not hearers only. Apply what you read to the way you live your very life. In prayer, in thought, in practice. This becomes life of a Christian. Living for Christ and not for ourselves.
Last Days of the Age 
Sound words for all to contemplate, thanks!
Great post Al. His commandments are not burdensome!
In answer to your questions I thought of three specific reasons:
1. If we break this world’s laws and get caught, the punishment is often immediate. We fear that far more than punishments that may come later on.
2. We get discouraged attempting to live out God’s commands in our own strength verses the power of the Holy Spirit. This is often due to the pressure of leaders in institutions telling the saints what “they have to do.”
3. Generally speaking, we live with this worlds concerns in the forefront of our minds. I think you would agree that the time most people, even religious people spend upon “other things” far exceeds that of worldly concern.
Much of these problems could be resolved if God’s people understood two simple things. First, Christianity isn’t a part time gig, nor is part of our lives Christian. Jesus doesn’t just desire to be part of our lives but to rule in every area of our lives. If I love Him, I will allow Him access and desire to be near to Him always. That should be the norm.
Secondly, the adverse influence of this world has had and continues to have a downward draw upon any professing Christian. Although I do love and desire to fellowship with any real saints of God and will, I prefer to spend my time and life serving those wholly devoted to the truth. You guys won’t accept a shallow life or let me live in sin. You’re going to speak up because you love me- because your desire is to honor Him first always. This is also as it should be.
As you say Al, our deepest need is in learning to rely upon Jesus Himself and not mortal man. Herein are we both taught rightly and safeguarded from the many errors of this day.
May we continue to live on in light of eternity, recognizing our every word and move can affect others or ourselves for better or for worse.
Thanks for the truth and the reminder of what should always remain our priority.
Well written brother.
“We get discouraged attempting to live out God’s commands in our own strength verses the power of the Holy Spirit. This is often due to the pressure of leaders in institutions telling the saints what “they have to do.”
I would also add the struggles of living out our faith apart from true fellowship can lead to the same discouragements.
“First, Christianity isn’t a part time gig, nor is part of our lives Christian. Jesus doesn’t just desire to be part of our lives but to rule in every area of our lives. ”
Exactly. Last week, I got together with my parents and brothers and their families. It was Christmas day, so I figured at least on that day I’d have an opportunity to read Scripture to encourage and exhort them to Christ. They would have none of it. The excuse was that they had already been to church. But if we refuse to hear and talk about Scripture, then there is darkness and a refusal of Christ Himself. In other words, if we love Him, then how can we have enough of Him?
“You guys won’t accept a shallow life or let me live in sin. You’re going to speak up because you love me- because your desire is to honor Him first always. This is also as it should be.”
Hoo boy, I wonder if I’m walking deep enough. I always think I’m not walking deep enough. Even with the exhortations that are put on my heart to write. But that is Christ writing these things isn’t it. Because none of this would be without Him anyway.
God Bless you brother, and all my brothers and sisters walking in Christ!