How Many Commandments Have You Broken

  I have taken the time to break down each of the commandments that most people have broken and show you how that ALL of us, fall short of what is needed to work our way to heaven.  Without Jesus, none of us would stand a chance.

1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."  Let's be frank: in a world overwhelmed by consumerism, social media, and idolizing celebrities, how many of us genuinely place God above everything else?  In our relentless chase for wealth and our fixation on status, we’ve turned away from the very commandment that demands our complete loyalty.  We’ve created idols of ease and comfort, sacrificing our spiritual honesty on the altar of modern indulgence.

2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."  Idolatry isn’t limited to physical representations—it encompasses the idols we forge within our hearts and minds.  Whether it’s fame, wealth, or personal ambitions, we’ve constructed numerous "gods" to worship.  These contemporary idols divert us from the true, living God, influencing our values and choices in ways that contradict this commandment.

3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."  The casual disrespect and irreverence prevalent in our culture have become commonplace.  We carelessly invoke God’s name to emphasize our speech, lacking the reverence it deserves. This issue extends beyond mere careless use; it reflects a deeper moral decline, showing how we treat His name and His commands with disdain.

4. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." In our unrelenting quest for productivity and achievement, the Sabbath has become an afterthought. Our work-obsessed society overlooks the importance of rest and spiritual rejuvenation. We’ve abandoned the tradition of dedicating time for worship and contemplation, opting instead to fill our schedules with endless tasks and distractions.

5. "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."  Family values are crumbling as disrespect and indifference towards parents become increasingly normal.  We witness a culture where authority is questioned, and family connections are weakened.  The Fifth Commandment is frequently ignored in favor of personal desires and rebellion, eroding the fundamental respect that should guide our relationships.

6. "Thou shalt not kill."  While most would never commit murder outright, we often overlook the broader implications of this commandment.  Our society is riddled with violence, from physical acts to verbal assaults and a culture of dehumanization.  The sanctity of life is regularly undermined by our apathy toward the suffering of others and our acceptance of violent rhetoric.  

7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." The sanctity of marriage is under attack as infidelity and extramarital relationships become alarmingly prevalent.  We’ve normalized the breakdown of marital trust and fidelity, treating commitment as optional rather than a sacred promise.  This commandment is frequently dismissed, threatening the very foundation of intimate relationships.  

8. "Thou shalt not steal." Theft extends beyond physical possessions. We steal in numerous ways: through dishonesty, exploitation, and unethical behaviors. From corporate greed to personal cheating, the lines of integrity have been blurred. The Eighth Commandment is overlooked as we rationalize and justify actions that compromise honesty and fairness.

9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."  The rise of misinformation and deceit reflects our collective disregard for truth.  Lies, gossip, and slander have become widespread, with the Ninth Commandment being trampled by personal interests and sensationalism.  Our society’s fixation on spreading falsehoods undermines trust and integrity at every level.

10. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's."  Our culture thrives on envy and longing, continually feeding our discontent with what we possess.  Advertising exploits our covetous nature, making us desire what belongs to others and fostering a culture of comparison and greed.  The Tenth Commandment’s call for contentment is drowned out by an incessant call driving us to want more and more of what we see that others possess. 

We can no longer overlook these commandments of which most of us are guilty of violating  If we are committed to living by these enduring principles, it’s time to confront our collective shortcomings and recommit to upholding these commandments with genuine intent.  Our moral compass requires recalibration, and it begins with recognizing where we have strayed, but it doesn't stop there.  We must endeavor to do something about it.

As always, God bless and keep you and remember to walk fearlessly.

- Michael Pearson