3 Stages – Don’t, Do, Don’t

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This is another way to read and understand the Ten Commandments. It has three distinct sections. 

First we are told three things to not do in our relationship with God.

1.     You shall have no other gods before me.
2.     You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3.     You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

Then we are told two things to do in our relationship with God.

4.     Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 
5.     Honor your father and your mother.

Then we are told five things to not do in our community relationships.

6.     You shall not murder.
7.     You shall not commit adultery.
8.     You shall not steal.
9.     You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10.   You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor's.

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We can see this as a developmental progression. When you do the first three Commandments you are getting your vision of God in focus. Now that you clearly see His greatness, and walk in faith, next you can do these two things in your relationship with Him: focus on hope as you pursue the depth of His love. You are busy living in the Sabbath cycle weekly and living under the influence of His Fatherhood daily. You are exercising hope.

Now that you are avoiding misinformation about God, and actively feasting on His wonderous love, you are ready to have healthy community relationships. You have the proper framework to treat others well and not abuse them. You can be a full-fledged member of the community of grace. Grace so well established in our lives that we call it 'law', the law of community love.