Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
“However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.” (Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9)
We are supposed to observe the statutes and decrees given to Moses by the LORD, meaning the 10 commandments. They are:
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Keeping these commandments makes us a great nation made great by wise and intelligent people. We are not to let them slip from our memory, and we are to teach them to our children and grandchildren. That’s quite a demanding yet very important responsibility.
Number 8 is especially challenging during this year of national politics and often out-of-control social media filled with slander and lies. Falsely accusing our neighbors of whatever to make us look better or to influence elections makes the accuser unwise and simply stupid.
It’s up to all of us to listen to the LORD and obey. Otherwise, we will lose possession of our land and our greatness. We forfeit it to those who view the commandments as obstacles to their pursuit of power, influence, and control.
Deacon David Pierce
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