The Ten Commandments
(From Exodus 20:1-17 - New Living Translation)

^{1 "Do not worship any other gods besides ME."
2 "Do not make idols of any kind"
3 "Do not misuse the name of the LORD your GOD. "
4 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy"
5 "Honor your father and mother"
6 "Do not murder"
7 "Do not commit adultery"
8 "Do not steal"
9 "Do not testify falsely against your neighbor"
10 "Do not covet"}

^{1 "Do not worship any other gods besides me."}

The first commandment, simply stated . . .  Put GOD first!  Easy to say, harder to do.  The battle is here.  I mean right here (I am pointing to myself).  My "self" wants to be first.  This discussion need go no further than this.  I, I, I, me me ME!

I want.  That is a well worn sentence.  I want this and I want that.  And when I get it I want More!  This is the battle of flesh against spirit.  My flesh self wants to run the show and my spirit self wants to do GOD'S Will!  

There is the life of a Follower of JESUS in a nutshell.  This life is a long and trying process of learning to Put GOD First.  It can be hard at times.  And it can be really hard at times.  And it can be really, really hard at times.

One thing I have learned is that when it is hard, it is when I am not trying.  The difficulty that ensues is due primarily to my lack of cooperation with the HOLY SPIRIT.  So that is what this is all about.  I mean, studying the Ten Commandments will make us more aware of HIS desires for our life.  And it will (or should) help us to cooperate with HIS Plan for us.

Then life won't be so hard!  Sound good?