The Ten Commandments provide behavioral guardrails for us all. Most world religions agree that the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments are spot on. Arguing the validity of The Ten Commandments would paint a person into a bad corner. Who wants to be known as a murderer, thief, liar, or adulterer?
What if we take The Ten Commandments and filter each of them through bible verses about money? Money seems to be the one thing that gets many people into trouble. By taking each of The Ten Commandments in light of our tendency to worship money it might help some people.
The Ten Commandments, from a money perspective, solidifies behaviors. Jesus warned us not to love money. He called out the rich young ruler for his financial idolatry. Countless families elevate money higher than God. Money has the tendency to trip up far too many Christians. Let’s put it on notice.
Commandment #1 — You Shall Have No Other God’s Before Me
Exodus 20:3 (NASB) You shall have no other gods before Me.
Money, for many people, is their God. They work hard to get more. Keeping a financial score is one of their favorite pastimes. They want to be the top financial dog and will do anything to make it happen. Families are sacrificed. Relationships are crushed. Money is their mistress.
One day a young rich man ran up to Jesus and asked a great question. He asked, “What do I need to do to inherit eternal life.” Here’s a link to the entire conversation.
Jesus took the young man through the law. Kind of what we’re doing right now. Jesus hit the big ones with him. Don’t murder, or commit adultery. He kept going and reminded him not to steal or lie. The cherry on top was honor your father and mother.
The young man was dishonest with himself and Jesus. He honestly believed that he had faithfully kept all of these commandments. Of course, he had not but Jesus didn’t argue with him. Jesus pivoted and revealed to the young man that he was actively violating the first of The Ten Commandments.
Money was his God, not YHWH. Jesus gave him an opportunity but the young man refused.
Mark 10:22 (NASB) But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
Commandment #2 — No Idols
Exodus 20:4 (NASB) You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.
It’s easy to judge the Israelites for their sinful idolatry but we’re just as bad. Yes, they created a golden calf and literally bowed down to it. Are we any better?
We purchase toys and tools (idols) that we worship at all times. Sporting events are hostile, expensive, and time-consuming. Boats, hunting cabins, and all of the necessary gear are sometimes exalted above family and God.
Giving to those in need is often stunted because of our hobbies.
Above all, do not lie to yourself — Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
Commandment #3 — Don’t Take The Lord’s Name In Vain
Exodus 20:7 (NASB) You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
Cussing is not the best look on Christians but this verse means more than not cussing.
J.I. Packer informs us that “vain” means insincere, frivolous, or empty.
Our words matter. When we blame God for our financial issues that’s a form of taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
God is in the blessing business. That doesn’t mean that we’re always destined for a life of wealth and ease. It does mean that God provides adequately for us. Many of us will go through challenging financial situations. It’s important that we learn to be content even when life seems unfair.
The Ten Commandments (#4) Keep The Sabbath
Exodus 20:8 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
God gave us clear instructions about our work-life balance. We’re consistently believing that we know more than God. Some people are barely working five days. Others are working seven days.
God’s instruction is for us to work six days. Perhaps we can work Monday – Friday and then work around the house on Saturdays. Sunday is reserved for worship and refreshing.
When we work that extra day we’re essentially telling God two things: We know more than Him and we don’t trust Him.
The Israelites were in deep trouble for not properly taking Sabbath rest.
Christians are not bound to these laws. The Sabbath is for man and not vice-versa (Mark 2:27-28). However, when we refuse a Sabbath we’re resisting God’s wisdom.
That’s never a good idea.
The Ten Commandments (#5) Honor Your Father and Mother
Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
Honor is different from obeying. When we’re under our parent’s roof we obey and honor our father and mother. After we’re grown it becomes an honor issue but not an obedience issue. We’re to leave and cleave.
What does honor mean, then?
The word honor, in this context, has a financial component to it. Jesus hit on this in the seventh chapter of Mark when discussing corban. Some of the Hebrews were giving money to the temple and allowing their parents to struggle financially. When the moms and dads asked about it, the kids would say that they gave it to God.
Jesus called them out on that. He said they were invalidating the word of God by their tradition.
Ouch!
As our parents age, we should honor them financially. Even if they don’t need our money we should at least help or bless them when we can. Do what you can, when you can.
Honor your parents financially.
The Ten Commandments (#6) Do Not Murder
Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.
We are warned not to murder others. Murder is putting to death an innocent person for no reason. Drive-by shootings are a great example.
We can defend ourselves and our families from wicked intruders. One of those wicked intruders is our sinful nature. We must put to death our ungodly wants, desires, and dreams, daily.
Jesus clearly stated that if we wanted to be His disciple then we must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). We must lose our lives in pursuit of Christ.
Colossians 3:5 (CSB) Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.
Greed and idolatry are not small sins. It’s important for us to constantly put to death our earthly nature.
The Ten Commandments (#7) Don’t Commit Adultery
Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.
Money fights wreak havoc on marriages. It’s one of the primary reasons why couples get divorced. It’s not a Biblical reason but it’s the reason often given. Here’s an article on what the Bible says about divorce that you will find helpful.
Another common occurrence in marriages is financial infidelity. It’s not the same as romantic or sexual infidelity. It’s also not a Biblical reason for divorce. However, it does erode trust in the relationship.
Financial infidelity is when one spouse hides and lies about their financial decisions and behaviors. Money should be combined in a Christ-centered marriage. There is no his money and her money — it’s always our money. Of course, some people budget money for both to spend how they fit. That’s perfectly fine and wise for many couples.
The problem occurs when one gets a credit card in secret, for example, and lavishly spends money. The minimum payments are made so as to not draw attention to the infidelity.
These situations always require Biblical counseling, grace, forgiveness, and prayer. Money management can provide insight into a person’s trustworthiness (Luke 16:11).
The Ten Commandments (#8) Don’t Steal
Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal.
We only have rights to things that we have earned honestly and fairly. Theft, in the United States, is running rampant right now. Looting is common in many cities and businesses are closing because of it.
Thieves may not get caught by the police but God’s not fooled. Unrepented sin is a scary thought. God’s judgment is severe.
I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NASB) Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you, but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
There is hope. God grants repentance. Let’s live a life of repentance.
The Ten Commandments (#9) Don’t Bear False Witness
Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Bearing false witness is not necessarily the same as lying. When one bears false witness they are always attempting to harm another image bearer of Christ.
Bearing false witness can be repeating rumors and gossiping.
Financially speaking, it can be an overt attempt to sabotage another person on the job. I see this often in the secular marketplace. A person, in an effort to make themselves look good, bad-mouth a coworker.
This behavior is ungodly and needs to be repented to God and to the other person. Win on your own performance. Tearing down another is a terrible way to get ahead.
The Ten Commandments (#10) Don’t Covet
Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Coveting is different than merely wanting something or being jealous. It is when we want something that someone else has. Not just a duplicate of it but that specific person, item, or thing.
Coveting reveals discontentment. God wants us to be content in our lives and in Him. He has perfectly planned our lives — even when our lives are difficult or challenging. We must trust His providence. Yes, that’s easier said than done.
Many of us love to quote, “I can do all things through Christ!” However, few of us understand that that verse is tied to contentment. Here’s a great article on contentment that will bless your life!
When we covet, we essentially are telling God that He made a mistake with us. God becomes our scapegoat and we blame Him for our life.
When a person is pressing hard financially, working diligently, sacrificing, denying themselves, investing when it’s difficult, and fearlessly giving they rarely begrudge others their success. They know how hard it is to succeed. When another person is successful we tip our caps and applaud their success.
God’s on your side. If things are not working well for you find out why. More money is rarely the answer. God knows what’s best for you. Get in your prayer closet and find out what you need to learn.
Then get busy putting it into practice.