Life’s journey is often filled with challenges and uncertainties, and we all need a little help along the way. In the book of Exodus, we find Moses and the Israelites embarking on a path towards the promised land, having been freed from the bonds of slavery. God, in His wisdom, recognizes their need for guidance and presents them with a set of rules for living. In Exodus 20 we can read these Ten Commandments, that were designed to help the people live well and foster a harmonious relationship with God and others. But their purpose went beyond mere adherence to regulations; they were meant to usher in the presence of God among His people. Today, as we navigate our own journeys, we too can find guidance in these timeless principles.

Living in Alignment

The Ten Commandments can be categorised into two sections: the first four commandments relate to our relationship with God, while the remaining six commandments focus on our interactions with others. These principles serve as a compass, guiding us towards living a life that is in alignment with God’s plan for us. They provide a framework for nurturing our connection with the divine and fostering healthy relationships with those around us. By embracing these rules, we are empowered to live authentically and strive for the best version of ourselves.

The Essence of Love

At the heart of these commandments lies a simple yet profound truth – love. In Exodus 25 we read why the Israelites were being given all these rules – God wanted to inhabit the place where they were. He didn’t need to be, but that is what he chose. And when Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in Mark 12, He distilled the essence of the law into two statements: “Love God” and “Love People.” Love becomes the guiding force that shapes our lives and interactions. It is through genuine love for God and others that we can truly embody the principles set forth in the commandments. By demonstrating love towards God and our fellow human beings, we manifest our truest selves and contribute to a world filled with compassion, kindness, and understanding.

Beyond Rules and Regulations

Unlike the extensive lists of rules and regulations found in the subsequent chapters of Exodus, the commandments serve as foundational principles rather than a restrictive code. We have been granted the freedom to live authentically and express our love for God and others in unique and personal ways. This freedom allows us to develop our self-perception, shape our relationships, and gain insight into God’s view of us. We are called to embrace our identity as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and a chosen people, belonging to God.

Preparing for Divine Presence

Ultimately, all the ways we choose to live our lives, guided by love for God and others, prepare us for one profound experience – the presence of God. God desires to inhabit the lives of His people, to overflow and fill every aspect of our being. The passage in 1 Peter 2:1-12 beautifully describes our role as bearers of God’s presence, as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. When we live in alignment with the commandments and love unconditionally, we create space for God’s presence to dwell within us, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.

Conclusion

Discovering what helps us live a fulfilling life requires us to embrace the timeless principles found in the Ten Commandments. These rules for living serve as a compass, guiding our relationship with God and shaping our interactions with others. Love becomes the foundation upon which we build our lives, demonstrating our truest selves and fostering harmonious connections. Freed from a list of rules and regulations, we are called to live authentically, expressing our love for God and others in unique ways. Through this journey, we prepare ourselves for the profound experience of God’s presence, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our being.

We pray that you may live fully, love wastefully and have the courage to be all that God has created you to be.

This is blog was the final installment of the teaching from our May 2023 retreat. If you’d like to come and experince our retreats in person we still have some spaces left for September and November this year – come and join us!