Unit 3: Dissecting The Ten Commandments

Unit 3 focused on dissecting the 10 Commandments, and how it each commandment is brought more fully into light in the New Testament. The interpretive principle of the opposite stood out to me, and I am glad that I was able to fully apply it to the commandments, looking at them in their opposite context, and what pleases and honors God. Another concept that I was able to fully explore was the importance of the second commandment, don’t make graven images, and its ability to devalue God. Each concept has given me an opportunity to deepen my relationship with God. The first concept that stuck out to me was the Principle of the Opposite; the opposite of what displeases God, pleases Him. Looking at the Ten Commandments in this light can show how each one is written to make our lives better. Refraining from sin does not only have spiritual benefits, but it also have earthly benefits, too. A lot of times, people view the Law as merely a list of do’s and don’t’s that we must followed so that God is not mad as us. However, they are really a guide for how, out of love and honor, we can learn what pleases Him.

This really is not a new concept to me, but I am glad that I was able to explore it with more clarity and focus. Sometimes, the law can be taken to an extreme, and Christians can become focused too much on the do’s and don’t’s and simply following the rules without stopping to meditate on their meaning and purpose. Using the principle of the opposite can give new insight on how I can use the Law, not out for the sake of legalism or selfish pursuits, but as a way to express my love for God in the deeper way. I can learn to love Him, not just from head-knowledge or the words I say, but through action and