Are the Ten Commandments relevant today? - By ChatGPT
1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
— Exodus 20:3
Explanation: In today’s world, this commandment calls us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. It’s easy to make idols of things like career, wealth, fame, technology, or even personal success. This commandment challenges us to ask, "What am I placing my trust and identity in?" It’s a reminder to resist allowing anything to take the place of God in our hearts and minds. Whether it’s materialism, status, or self-interest, these things can subtly become “gods” that distract us from our purpose and devotion to the Creator.
2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."
— Exodus 20:4
Explanation: This commandment is a warning against idolatry, but in the modern context, it goes beyond physical images. We live in a world full of symbols, advertisements, and social media that can act as distractions or false representations of what’s truly important. Whether it's the celebrity culture, consumerism, or an overemphasis on self-image and material success, this commandment challenges us to guard against placing ultimate value on fleeting things and reminds us to focus on what is eternal and spiritual.
3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."
— Exodus 20:7
Explanation: In modern life, this commandment can be about respecting the sacredness of God’s name and our language. It’s easy to use God’s name recklessly in moments of frustration or as a filler word in speech. It also speaks to the importance of living in a way that honors God’s reputation. If we claim to follow God, our actions should reflect His character—being careful not to misrepresent Him through hypocrisy or thoughtless words. It challenges us to be intentional with how we speak and how we live, making sure our lives match the values we claim.
4. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
— Exodus 20:8
Explanation: In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, this commandment invites us to prioritize rest and reflection. The Sabbath is a day dedicated to spiritual renewal, rest, and time with family. In a society that often values productivity above all else, this commandment is a reminder that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By observing a day of rest, we acknowledge our need for God’s provision and take time to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s about resisting the urge to work non-stop and remembering that our value is not in what we produce, but in who we are in God's eyes.
5. "Honor thy father and thy mother."
— Exodus 20:12
Explanation: This commandment emphasizes the importance of respecting and cherishing family relationships. In the modern world, where families can be fragmented or strained, this commandment is a call to rebuild or strengthen those relationships. Honoring parents doesn’t mean agreeing with them on everything, but it does mean showing respect for their role in our lives. It’s also a reminder to care for elderly parents, providing for their needs and treating them with dignity as they age. It’s about building healthy, respectful family dynamics and understanding that family is a foundational building block of society.
6. "Thou shalt not kill."
— Exodus 20:13
Explanation: The prohibition against murder still applies directly today, but it also challenges us to consider the sanctity of all human life. Modern society often overlooks the value of human life in areas like violence, abortion, or assisted suicide. This commandment calls us to reflect on how we treat others, not just physically but also with our words and actions. Hatred, anger, and bitterness can also lead to spiritual “murder,” destroying relationships. Jesus emphasized that even anger and insults can violate this commandment (Matthew 5:21-22). Today, it’s a call to strive for peace, justice, and respect for every individual.
7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
— Exodus 20:14
Explanation: In a world where infidelity and sexual promiscuity are often normalized in media and culture, this commandment remains a crucial call to faithfulness in relationships. It’s not just about physical actions, but about mental and emotional loyalty. Jesus expanded this idea by teaching that even lustful thoughts can be damaging (Matthew 5:27-28). Today, it speaks to the importance of healthy, committed relationships—whether in marriage or in our dealings with others—and challenges us to value trust, purity, and integrity over fleeting desires or temptations.
8. "Thou shalt not steal."
— Exodus 20:15
Explanation: This commandment remains vital today as it speaks to the need for honesty and fairness in all transactions. Modern stealing isn’t limited to just physical theft, but also includes things like fraud, corruption, cheating, and even plagiarism. It challenges us to think about how we acquire wealth and success—whether through hard work, honesty, and ethical behavior, or through shortcuts that exploit others. It also calls us to respect others' property, time, and intellectual work in a world of rampant consumerism and piracy.
9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."
— Exodus 20:16
Explanation: In the age of social media, gossip, and fake news, this commandment challenges us to speak truthfully and avoid spreading misinformation or hurting others through lies. This is especially important in a world where public reputations can be tarnished by a single lie or rumor. Bearing false witness isn’t limited to legal situations—it also applies to rumors, exaggerations, and misleading others for personal gain. It’s a call to cultivate integrity and be mindful of the power of our words to either build up or destroy.
10. "Thou shalt not covet."
— Exodus 20:17
Explanation: In an age of advertising, social media comparison, and consumer culture, the desire for more can easily become an overwhelming force. Coveting is more than just wanting what someone else has; it’s a deeper issue of discontentment and greed. It leads to jealousy, envy, and dissatisfaction with what God has already provided. This commandment invites us to cultivate contentment and to appreciate what we have, rather than being constantly driven by the desire for more. In a world that constantly tempts us to compare our lives to others, this commandment helps us find peace in gratitude, humility, and trust in God’s provision.
In Conclusion:
The Ten Commandments are not just ancient laws; they are timeless principles that can guide modern life. They challenge us to evaluate our relationships with God, with others, and with ourselves. In a world full of distractions, temptations, and ethical dilemmas, these commandments offer a moral compass—calling us to live with integrity, respect, love, and justice. Whether in our personal relationships, our work, or our society at large, these principles can help us navigate the complexities of modern life and live in a way that honors both God and others.
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
It does mean
To cherish (something/ someone)
To acknowledge (something/ someone)
To overlook (something/ someone)
To strive (for something/ to do something)
Conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
In the lesson we will discuss each of the commandments and also the following questions…
1. Are these commandments a useful guide for modern life?
2. Are there any commandments you would like to add?
3. Which of the commandments do you think are most commonly ignored today?
4. Do you think any of the commandments are not relevant to modern times?
5. Which of the commandments is the most difficult to follow?