As we follow Christ, it can be easy to forget the 10 Commandments.  These 10 rules, which you could say are the basis for the rule of law throughout the entire world, are the guide posts for our spiritual lives.

As you conitinue to mature into your young lives, you need a guide.  You need a rule in which to follow.  If you went to a new land, wouldn't you need a map?  If you started a new class at school (ugh), you would need a syllabus, you would need guidance as to what is required.

In today's world, a lot of people don't like rules.  They don't like to be told what to do.  However, the book of Proverbs 19:20 (which the Juniors & Seniors have been studying - Mondays at 7pm, plug, plug) says "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."

Now more than ever, we need instruction.  If the world is shunning instruction, then those who are wise should realize that we should accept it.

With a servant's heart, always give people (and God) more than they expect.

If you are wise, you will listen.  In your teenage years, you thirst for maturity, for your voice to be respected and heard.  I urge you to then listen to instruction of any kind and learn and grow from it.  Do this and you will be wise, growing in the path of spiritual maturity.

The 10 Commandments are the most basic of instruction, at least, basic to those of us raised in church.  We know what they say.  We know we are to obey them.  And yet, we don't.

Oh sure, we don't murder people.  But do you lie?  Yes.  Do you wish you had someone else's toy or girlfriend or boyfriend or life or looks or fame?  Possibly.  Do you treat your parents with kindness and respect?  I hope so.  (if parents are physically or emotionally abusive, that is another matter).  Do you take the Lord's name in vain or use bad language?  Do you "worship" other things (whatever is in the center of your life) besides God?  Do you honestly try and keep Sunday as a holy day, set aside for you and God to enjoy?

I believe that when we keep these laws, it keeps our conscience clear and helps us live godly lives.  As I always say, God is not trying to steal your fun: he is trying to save your life.  Following Christ and the teachings of the Bible EXPAND your life, not take away from it.

But let me say this: we are not saved by our works.  We are not saved because we are "good people" who try and follow the 10 Commandments.  Human beings are only saved by the grace and love of God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.  It is by God's mercy we can even receive instruction.  It is by God's mercy we can know Christ, know the church, and know of God's love.  ALL of salvation is done by God for you.

I lovingly encourage you all to seek to obey these commandments.  Do not forget them.  Click on the image above to see a larger image, read them, and search your heart to see if you are obeying these things.

The love of God stands ready to correct, love, forgive and guide.  The main thing is that we are trying to, with God's help, keep these laws.  God wants to see that we are trying to know Him and love Him more. Its the people who do not even care to try that are most in danger. Effort, faith, good intention - God see these things and is always pleased.  God will bless you as you do this.

And God bless each of you!