God created man and set him above all other creatures with the qualities and competencies of a self-conscious and rational being (a person). He gave us intellect, the ability to grasp abstract concepts (such as faith, morality, truth or lies, and evil), faculties of communication, and feelings of deep emotion. We also possess the capability to act of our own free will, as we have agency, and the ability to make choices. These attributes are elements of personhood; qualities that make us meaningful and valuable. This is what is meant by “made in the image of God”. We have dignity and worth, creatures built for relationships; God created us to have a relationship with him.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. ^{Genesis 1:26}

But the elements of the image of God in which we were made are of capability, not so much character. Man is an innovative and resourceful creature, but he does not possess, in any meaningful way, God’s divine characteristics, particularly that of righteousness. To be righteous is to be morally correct, and we all fall far short of God’s standard of perfection.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ^{Romans 3:10}

for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. ^{Romans 3:23}

We see this clearly and profoundly in the world’s immorality and depravity. We also notice it in our daily lives, as we often prioritize our pleasure and comfort. We place our interests, desires, and love of worldly things above our love for God. Jesus tells us that the most important commandment is: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” ^{Matthew 22:37-38} To love God is to obey him, and to hate God is to live against his will, violating his commandments. This is sin, a malady common to all mankind.

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ^{Hebrews 10:30-31}

God is clear about how he deals with sin. Every person will be held accountable for their unforgiven sins, and the penalty is eternal damnation. We all deserve God’s wrath that will come when we stand before him and face his judgment..

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. ^{Revelation 20:11-13}

The unrighteous nature of man and the coming judgment raise a crucial question. If no one, no matter how hard they try, can meet God’s perfect standard of righteousness, are we then doomed to suffer in Hell forever? The answer is yes.

This is why mankind desperately needs a Savior.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^{Romans 6:23}

The good news is that Jesus Christ is the Savior we desperately need. He was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins, saving us from condemnation and eternal punishment in hell. Through his brutal death, which is a propitiation to God, we are offered the opportunity to be declared righteous and to be reconciled with and at peace with him. Through God’s mercy, we are forgiven of our sins, and by his grace, we become his beloved children, enjoying benefits both in this life and the next.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ^{John 3:16-17} 

Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus was raised from the dead, confirming his deity and the effectiveness of his atonement for us. His resurrection proved that he is who he claimed to be and that everything he said is true. Jesus defeated death, and the promise is that we, too, will be raised to eternal life. If there were no resurrection, there would be no salvation.

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: ^{Romans 1:3-4}

Receiving the Gift of Salvation.

If you believe what you have read – that you need to be saved from the penalty of sin, that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to atone for your sins, and that he was raised from the dead – you can be forgiven, reconciled with God, and enjoy eternity in Heaven.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ^{Romans 10:9-10}

To “believe in thine heart” means having a deep, personal conviction. This belief goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. It is a confident, immutable truth held in your heart. A conviction that evokes commitment and obedience; it is faith that the gospel of Jesus is true.

If this is where you stand, then commit your life to Jesus and acknowledge (confess) to God and to the world that he is the Lord of your life. The good news is that you will be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, forgiven and saved by God’s mercy from the punishment you deserve. Also, by God’s grace, now reconciled to him and no longer his adversary, you will be at peace with him.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ^{John 3:36}

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ^{John 14:6}

The Bible clearly teaches that faith in and submission to Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. The truth of this is substantiated by the suffering he endured to bring salvation to humanity. In the Gospels, we learn about his anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by his disciples, the rejection by his people, and his horrific suffering through scourging and crucifixion. Why would he have endured this if there had been any other way to save us from the penalty of our sins?

Jesus clearly states that he is the only way, not just a way to the Father. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to Heaven; all other roads lead to Hell. Trusting anything, anyone, or any religious system other than Jesus Christ is to commit spiritual suicide

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ^{Acts 4:12}

If Jesus is the only way to Heaven, then there must be many roads leading to Hell.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. ^{Matthew 7:13-14}

Below are four common paths to destruction, each characterized by the failure to make Jesus Christ the Lord over everything in your life.

First, some will end up in Hell because they are satisfied in their unbelief, lacking any desire or need for God. Prosperity, success, social acceptance, and self-sufficiency often lead to a conscious denial of the need for God. They believe they don’t need to be saved. To them, Christianity is an unnecessary waste of time.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ^{Ist Corinthians 1:18}

Secondly, Others mistakenly believe they are in good standing with God because they strive to live moral lives and be good people. Overestimating the good within themselves, they assume that treating others well, thinking good thoughts, and doing good deeds should be sufficient to secure a place in Heaven. They, too, are convinced that they don’t need to be saved. The word of God tells us otherwise; it is clear that reliance on one’s righteousness ends in death.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. ^{Isaiah 64:6}

Thirdly, the next road to Hell is reliance on compliance. The religious are often taught to do something to make amends with God. They attempt to win God’s favor through actions they think will please him, such as self-righteous efforts, following religious rules and rituals, or living piously. However, in God’s eyes, these efforts are futile nonsense. Jesus railed against the Jewish religious leadership, who taught adherence to rules, rituals, sacraments, and traditions for salvation. You cannot work yourself into righteous perfection; that is why you need a savior to deliver you from being judged wanting and condemned. God desires your heart, mind, and soul, not your best efforts at religion.  

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ^{Matthew 7:21-23}

Finally, there is a path to Hell marked by deception, evil, and treachery. It is the perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by charlatans of organized religion that leads people away from Christ.

These frauds intertwine corruption, lies, and error with some element of truth as they promote heresies against the Gospel in the Bible. They conflate truth from God’s word with human philosophies, conjecture, and worldly intellect, obscuring the simplicity of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. They claim that God will bless you with prosperity, health, and happiness if you have faith and a positive attitude, ignoring the cost of discipleship. They diminish the deity of Jesus, sometimes through dramatic blasphemies like claiming he is a created being or even Satan’s brother (Mormons). These persuasive voices tell people what they want to hear, often for financial gain, and people believe, despite how absurd the message may be. Be aware that Satan sometimes carries a Bible and can lead you unknowingly into Hell.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ^{2nd Timothy 4:3-4}

The Bible is also clear that those who propagate lies and distortions of the word of God are cursed, and their destruction is inevitable.

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; ^{2nd Peter 2:12}

In Christ, we find purpose and peace as we look forward to the promise of Heaven. The blessings we receive during our earthly life of faith come from our identity as children of God, knowing that our lives are in the care of our Heavenly Father, who is in complete control. The following are the benefits Christians experience during their brief time on Earth.

Peace from God.

Those who are at peace with God enjoy peace from God. 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ^{Romans 5:1-2}

Peace with God means being reconciled to him, no longer his enemy. Peace from God is a state of calm, free from anxiety and filled with contentment, clarity, completeness, joy, and the confidence to live according to the truth that counters the world’s chaos. We experience abundant peace when we are in harmony with God’s will. By seeking God and staying close to him, his peace permeates our daily lives. This consistent evidence of his love deepens our faith and increases our reliance on him. When we immerse ourselves in his Word, pray, and keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, our souls are filled with a deep peace that only God can give.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you . . . After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. ^{1 Peter 5:6-7 & 10}

If you live only for yourself and pursue your heart’s desires with self-reliant pride, any peace you find will be fleeting. The apostle Paul reminds us not to be anxious about anything; instead, he urges us to pray about everything.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ^{Philippians 4:4-7}

Here, our Lord assures us that we can find peace in this life:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. ^{John 14:27}

All Things Work Together for Our Good.

It is a great comfort to know that God is in control of our lives and of everything we experience. We live with confidence, knowing that God uses all things for our good, even if it doesn’t seem so at the moment.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ^{Romans 8:28} 

God uses every event and circumstance – whether good, bad, or terrible – to accomplish his will for those who belong to him. His purpose is to shape us to be more like his Son, and there is no better outcome we could hope for than becoming more like Jesus Christ. Although we may not always understand the why, how, or when of what God is doing, we trust him because we belong to him and he takes care of us. This is the comfort God’s children enjoy. Those who have rejected Jesus are left to navigate life on their own, and not everything will ultimately work out for their good.

Meaning & Purpose

Living for God, with the promise of eternal life in Heaven, gives us clear meaning and purpose. We are to glorify God by giving him weight, recognizing his significance, and making him essential in our lives and in the lives of others. This means honoring him in our words, actions, and thoughts and striving to live in loving, grateful obedience. Transcendent meaning and purpose come from serving God rather than chasing the fleeting pleasures of this world. Living for Christ and fulfilling your God-given purpose will make your life meaningful and significant.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; ^{1 Peter 2:9}

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ^{Romans 12:1-2}

Clearly, the world offers nothing that truly satisfies. Consider those who appear to have it all—those who have the world by the tail and have reached the heights of fame, wealth, and success – yet still find themselves so troubled that they put a rope around their neck and kick out the stool to find peace. It is a tragic end for the lost souls who jump to their eternal conclusion

Mortal Death & Eternal Life

Ultimately, we all share the same physical fate; no one gets out of here alive. However, Christians need not fear death, because we who trust in God’s promises can rest in the assurance of these two truths:

First, our lives are in God’s hands, and he alone will determine when our time on Earth ends. We will not be called home to Heaven one second before God’s will allows it.

Second, we are headed to eternity with God in Heaven—a far better place than the one we are in now.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ^{John 14:2-3}

As your faith matures, your confidence in life after death grows stronger. This assurance gives Christians courage and comfort as they face their inevitable departure from this mortal life. Jesus repeatedly assures us that those who believe in him will have eternal life, and we trust what he tells us.

Security in Christ

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ^{Romans 8:38-39}

Submit to Jesus Christ, and you will be saved for eternity. We serve a faithful God who will never abandon us. Jesus himself reassures us in this beautiful verse:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. ^{John 10:27-30}      

Our instinct is to live self-directed and do as we please, but if the conclusion is that there must be a God, then it seems imperative to understand what that means for us individually. It could be that our instincts are wrong, that understanding what God tells us is to our dramatic benefit, and dismissal is to our tragic detriment.

On the other hand, if you believe humanity and our world came about by chance and that there is no God, you can spend your life chasing pleasure, comfort, and security. You can follow your heart’s desires, achieve what you can, accumulate more stuff, love your family and yourself, crush your enemies, and try to live a good life (though I’m not sure why). Then comes death. You are gone, forgotten, and forever perished. What was the point? Maybe there wasn’t one, as the Atheist would say. Do you buy that?

This work presents the critically important message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The choice before us is acceptance or rejection, and everyone will have to give an answer. Here is a beautiful one-verse summary of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not on the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him ^{John 3:36}

My hope is that God uses this work to encourage you to come and see.

A Limited Time Offer

The time we spend on Earth is brief. The choices you make now and the person you become will determine the quality of your life for eternity. You have the chance to accept God’s gift now. But if you die in your sins before you come to your senses, it will be too late.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ^{Matthew 11:28-30}

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ^{Revelation 3:20}

When you become a Christian, you become a new kind of person.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ^{2 Corinthians 5:17}

As a child, I was well-versed in the message of salvation, and in my teens, I publicly declared my faith in Jesus Christ and was “saved.” My father and I were baptized together in a small Texas Southern Baptist church during the same evening service. That was around 1974. The foundation of my education in God’s word, laid so long ago, was instrumental in my preparation, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-50s, 40 years later, that I felt drawn, led, or driven – however you want to put it – to turn to God. It was then that I experienced a profound change, in many ways dramatic, and finally became a new kind of person.

It was a combination of challenging circumstances that brought me to this point. My father, whom I was very close to, was terminally ill, and we knew his death was imminent. The anxious thought of losing him, a figure of stability and security in my life, along with other life pressures, heightened my primary source of anxiety and stress: a highly demanding job. I felt that my knowledge, experience, and confidence were, at best, the minimum needed to succeed. I worried that I lacked the competency to handle the role, and the workload felt overwhelming.

The pressure to perform was overwhelming, and a crippling fear bloomed inside me. This ongoing sense of failure anxiety affected every aspect of my life. At its worst, I was not able to perform at work. Fear would grip me during meetings, leaving me frozen in panic. With a pounding heart, sweaty palms, and an inability to breathe, think, or speak, I had to endure the embarrassment of excusing myself from meetings. The worry that this might cost me my job intensified my stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of fear. It became clear that I couldn’t manage or cope with it on my own; self-reliance no longer carried me through the tough days.

The unexpected benefit of weakness is that God uses it to draw us closer to him. When I realized I had reached the limit of my ability to cope effectively, I turned to God. To the best of my ability, I surrendered my entire life to him, including all my challenges, insecurities, and failures. I placed my job, my role as a father and husband, my attitude, happiness, and future in his hands, and the result was astonishing.

I experienced a shift in attitude, perspective, and priorities as my desire to live in a way that pleases God became my highest priority. The issues and trials in my life continue, but I find that, with God’s help, I can now handle and navigate them effectively. I have learned that this life is a test; I expect to face an abundance of challenges and difficulties as God works to develop and mature my soul and character to be more like Christ. The growing conviction that God is in control, along with my belief that the struggles in this mortal life are insignificant compared to the eternal joy ahead, helps calm my fears and anxieties about the day’s affairs. I have learned to trust in God.

I felt his loving kindness as he comforted us through my father’s passing. I was there when Dad took his last breath, and although the separation was difficult, we found peace throughout it all. I felt his support as he established me at work, far beyond what I thought possible. Through him, I gained competence, worth, and reassurance – not just in the job but in knowing that his plan for me was the best I could hope for. He blessed my marriage with increased understanding, tolerance, and patience, along with a stronger desire to serve. Eighteen years of marriage now, and we have never been closer or more complete together.

Most importantly, I have peace knowing that all things now work for my good, and after my mortal life, I will spend eternity in Heaven. I strive to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and I have true peace with God. I now understand and experience the often-repeated paradox in the Bible: “Whoever wishes to keep his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will keep it.” I am grateful that God gave me the time to reach this point. My 40 years of wandering in the wilderness had come to an end. 

As I mature in my faith, I see self-serving attitudes fading away, replaced by a resolute desire to please God. This transformation is not instantaneous; it unfolds throughout your life as you pursue God and he works to make you more like Christ in motives, thoughts, and behavior.

As you immerse yourself in God’s word and absorb truth from sound teachers and fellow believers, he opens your eyes to understand what is right and proper while convicting you of what is wrong and unacceptable. Actively pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ, and you will experience transformation. Undoubtedly, you will look back in disbelief at what you once sought in the world, how you lived your life, how you treated others, and what you thought was acceptable.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work (effect), that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing. ^{James 1:2-4}

Life with Christ isn’t free of trouble. You’ll still face trials that often cause emotional or physical pain, misery, grief, or suffering. The difference is attitude, resolve, and response will be rooted in Christian principles and character.

God tests us with difficult times to build endurance and strengthen our faith. Testing fosters maturity and shapes us to be more like Christ. Trials humble us, deepen our reliance on God, and reveal the state of our faith. The true depth of an untested Christian’s conviction is often unknown, even to themselves. Untested faith may be no faith at all, but faith that has endured and blossomed in adversity is a very precious thing to possess.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. ^{Job 23:10}

James encourages us to face life’s trials with calm, confident competence, steady in the face of challenges. We can do this when we trust that God is in control and that he works everything together for our ultimate good. With him, we can successfully navigate trials and become a strong testimony to his perfect will. Conversely, a person without faith is often driven by emotions like anger, fear, or distrust. They tend to respond with self-serving, expedient solutions that prioritize their own interests.

We trust that our heavenly Father will lead and protect us, allowing us to face each day with joy and gratitude. Those who live without Christ are left to navigate life on their own. For them, enduring trials may help build character, but there is no benefit beyond the grave. For Christians, trials provide opportunities to serve God and demonstrate our peace through faith in Christ to the world.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ^{John 16:33}

The commandments God gave Moses in the Old Testament, along with more than 600 other rules and regulations, govern Jewish conduct. In Judaism, following these laws shows how the chosen people are expected to behave. Notably, Jews are less concerned with the punishment of eternal damnation; instead, they focus on their actions in this life rather than the afterlife. There is no requirement of perfect righteousness to enter what they consider Heaven; they just need to do their best.

In contrast, Christianity provides a clearer understanding of what is necessary to avoid Hell and enter Heaven. Through the new covenant with God (the New Testament), we learn that no one is capable of obeying all the commandments all the time; therefore, we depend on Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, which provides forgiveness of sins, credits his righteousness to believers, and justifies them before God.

The primary commandments guiding our behavior are summarized here, but it’s important to understand that the full range of commandments and teachings extends beyond what is shown. Make reading the word of God a daily priority to deepen your understanding of his will and what he expects from you.

Number One – Love God

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  ^{Mark 12:30}

The first and most important commandment clearly tells us to love God above all else. We are called to love him fully, with our whole being, putting him before everything else.

The word “love” can mean many things. In this context, it refers to love expressed through will, actions, dedication, commitment, and purpose. It comes from our gratitude for his mercy (the forgiveness of sins) and his saving grace, which make us heirs to his kingdom (our justification), as well as our humble respect (the fear of God) for who he is. Loving God in this way results in obedience to his will; if you love God, you will keep his commandments. This love is not based on feelings, friendship, or adherence to religious rituals.

It is crucial to understand that God takes this commandment seriously. It is a directive, not a suggestion. In the verse below, Moses tells the Jews about God’s intolerance toward those who reject his commands and love other gods (idols) of the world.

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. ^{Deuteronomy 6:14-15}

Solomon tells us in Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” While fear is a starting point, it is through love that wisdom is fully realized. Those who love God and obey his commands will immerse themselves in his word, remain in his presence, and discover his wisdom.

Number Two – Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ^{Matthew 22:39}

The second greatest commandment is to love others as we love ourselves. Unlike our love of obedience to our Heavenly Father, this commandment emphasizes love as an act of service. We are called to love others as Jesus loved us. This includes qualities such as patience, tolerance, humility, service, support, encouragement, and edification. It is free from envy, coveting, arrogance, and self-serving attitudes.

This love isn’t just an emotion; it’s shown through our attitude, actions, and deeds. We’re not asked to like others, but to love them! When we interact with others, including those we might see as enemies, we should strive to treat them as Jesus would. Always remember to ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. ^{John 15:12}

No Idolatry

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 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. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. ^{Exodus 20:3-6}

Idolatry is defined as loving anything more than God. The priorities we establish in our lives reveal what we idolize, and the things we idolize are those we ultimately serve. If you prioritize money, power, career, pleasure, sex, status, family, sports, entertainment, material possessions, or even religion above God, then those become your idols. Enjoy God’s blessings, but remember to serve only him, and beware of the temptation to turn good things in life into evil, sinful pursuits.

Do Not Commit Adultery

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ^{Matthew 5:27-28}

Lust was a stumbling block for David, Samson, and many others in the Bible. Adultery is common today, and it has wrecked many lives. Lust remains one of Satan’s most powerful tools to lead us astray.

Do Not Take the Lord’s Name in Vain

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. ^{Exodus 20:7}

If there is a proper fear of God, this is not a problem. Using his name as an expletive or in any disrespectful or irreverent way dishonors and trivializes him. It is interesting to notice that for thousands of years, humanity has often disparaged God’s name. The long-standing tendency to profane his name is a sad confirmation of his existence and shows that society, as a whole, has no respect for or fear of God.d.

Do Not Murder, Steal, or Lie

Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. ^{Exodus 20:13 & 15-16}

This is basic stuff. We learned it in kindergarten, except for the murder part—we learned about that later, by watching TV. Although these commands should be simple to follow, they are broken every day.

Do Not Covet

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. ^{Exodus 20:17}

To covet means to have a strong, wrongful desire to possess something. Covetousness stems from the motives, desires, and attractions of the heart. It represents an excessive love that elevates good things to the status of ultimate things. In this sense, covetousness is a form of idolatry because it directs our desires toward things other than God. This commandment emphasizes that we should love the Lord our God above everything else.

Coveting is the root of many sins. Adultery, lying, stealing, and even murder are often caused by covetousness. You cannot truly love your neighbors if you desire what they have. Overcoming covetousness requires a change of heart, which can only happen through the help of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, pray for his assistance in freeing you from worldly desires and strive for holiness; otherwise, your life may be ruined.

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ^{James 1:14-15}