My Answer: Is it time to revise Ten Commandments?
Q: Why should I follow the Ten Commandments? Maybe they were useful thousands of years ago, but we live in a different world now, and we need to come up with our own rules for living. — W.R.
A: Have you ever actually studied the Ten Commandments thoughtfully and carefully? (You can find them in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.) If you do, you might be surprised how relevant and up-to-date they are, even if you don’t agree with some of them.
In other words, which of them would you do away with if you could? Would you do away with the commandments forbidding murder, or lying or stealing? Would you do away with the commandment forbidding greed? I doubt you’d want to do away with any of these, because no society can be peaceful and harmonious without them.
Perhaps, however, you’d like to do away with some of the other commandments, such as those that demand we put God first in our lives, or even the one safeguarding the family by commanding sexual purity. Some today would like to ignore these, but when we do, we eventually end up in chaos.
We’re in danger of becoming like the people of Hosea’s time: “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7).
The real issue for you, however, is this: What place does God have in your life? Is he important to you (as he should be), or are you seeking to keep as far away from him as possible? Don’t be deceived, and don’t mindlessly follow the crowd. Instead, turn to Jesus Christ and make him the foundation of your life.
Jesus’ warning is for you: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13).
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Q: I’ve had good health all my life (I’m 78 now), but now the doctor says I have something that’s going to make me weaker and weaker and eventually kill me. I just can’t face being weak and having to depend on others to take care of me. I admit I’m angry with God, but why shouldn’t I be? — P.D.
A: One reason you shouldn’t be angry with God is because of all the years of good health he’s given you. Countless millions endure sickness or disability most of their lives, but you haven’t. Have you ever taken even one minute to thank God for your good health?
Another reason you shouldn’t be angry with God is because you need his help — and he wants to give it to you as you face the future. So far, I suspect, you’ve depended on yourself to see you through life’s hard places. But soon you won’t be able to do that, so where will you turn?
My prayer is that you’ll turn to Christ and learn to depend on him. He’ll not only give you inner strength to face tough times. He’ll also give you patience and peace in the midst of life’s changes. Turn to him today.
You need God for another reason, however. Someday your life will be over, and then you will face him. Are you prepared for that day? The Bible warns, “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Don’t depend on yourself or your accomplishments for your salvation, for they won’t save you. Instead, humbly turn to Jesus Christ and put your faith and trust in him. Then thank him for the help you’ll get from others as you grow weaker, and receive it gratefully.
(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit https://www.billygraham.org.)