Beyond Rules: The Heart Behind the Commandments
A deeper look at what it truly means to follow the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments
When we think about biblical figures like David—a man who killed someone, stole another man's wife, and committed adultery "all in one fell swoop"—we might find ourselves feeling pretty good by comparison. After all, most of us haven't done anything nearly that scandalous.
And yet, David is called "a man after God's own heart" in Acts 13:22. How is this possible?
Jesus Reframes the Commandments
In Matthew 5, Jesus challenges our self-righteousness by digging deeper into what these commandments really require of us:
* You may not have murdered anyone—but have you been consumed with anger toward someone? That murderous heart attitude is there, just restrained by consequences and laws.
* You may not have committed adultery—but have you lusted after someone in your heart? Have you tried to get others to desire you? Our social media culture thrives on this exact dynamic.
* You may not have stolen anything—but are you discontent with what you have? Do you believe God hasn't given you enough?
The Invitation Within the Commandments
When we look at Exodus 20:13-15 (the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments), we discover that these aren't just prohibitions—they're invitations to a better way of living. They call us to:
* Protect (not murder)
* Promise (not commit adultery)
* Preserve (not steal)
Be a Protector of Life
The command against murder isn't just about not killing—it's about being someone who values and protects human life. It asks: Are you the kind of person others feel safe around? Do people trust you and feel secure in your presence?
Be a Promise Keeper
The command against adultery goes beyond avoiding infidelity—it's about keeping your word. Marriage is a covenant relationship, a promise to remain faithful "despite what happens to us, despite what happens to me." This commandment asks: Are you trustworthy? Do you have integrity?
Be a Preserver
The command against stealing isn't just about respecting others' property—it's about preserving and valuing what you already have. Do you appreciate what God has given you? Are you a good steward of your own possessions?
Finding Freedom in Christ
So how do we live up to these high standards? By looking to Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus became the victim of all these sins:
* He was killed (sixth commandment)
* He was betrayed by those who belonged to him (seventh commandment)
* He had his honor stolen (eighth commandment)
Yet in that same moment, he took our place—the place of murderers, adulterers, and thieves. He died between two thieves, one of whom recognized his own guilt and Jesus' innocence.
This is what David understood in Psalm 51 when he cried out, "Against you, you only, have I sinned." David wasn't a man after God's own heart because he was perfect, but because he understood his need for forgiveness and turned to God in repentance.
It's Not About Trying Harder
Keeping these commandments has never been about trying harder. It's always been about looking to Christ—the true Protector, Promise Keeper, and Preserver.
When we see that he took our place on the cross and that God raised him from the dead, we begin to change. We become more like the parents, leaders, and friends we want to be.
This post is part of our 52-week study through the catechism, exploring the core doctrines of our faith through questions that churches have used for centuries.
How has this perspective on the commandments spoken to you? I'd love to hear in the comments
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