The third commandment tells us not to misuse the name of the Lord. Right away that eliminates cursing and unnecessary oaths from our vocabulary. Looking deeper we see the name of the Lord is not merely a word or set of words; God’s name reveals his status and glory. This commandment goes beyond merely shaping our vocabulary to shaping our hearts so that we glorify God in all our words and works. May God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts by his word so we grow in Guarding God’s Reputation.
In the second commandment God prohibits making any image of God or worshiping any images, which may seem like an easy task. As we look closer, we realize the scope of the command encompasses all our worship. In both action and heart, we must worship God according to how he has instructed us in the Bible. May God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts to make him the center of our worship as we seek to “worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23)
The Ten Commandments begin with the most important command of all. God says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” We make other gods when we look for strength, meaning and fulfilment outside of God and then, when we find it, focus our energy, praise and thanks there. Our true identity, purpose, freedom and salvation are only found in the one true God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let us actively choose to worship only God, and may God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts according to his word.
Most of the psalms are prayers – people talking to God. Psalm 50 is God talking to his people. The scene is much like a cosmic courtroom where God is judge, lawyer and jury all in one. Even though the psalm is worded as an accusation, it is full of grace. God reminds us in no uncertain terms that he is the Sovereign Savior who delivers us and that obedience is our best act of gratitude for all he has done. Psalm 50 calls us to renew our commitment to gratefully follow God in all things.