Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Point on our Spiritual Measuring Stick

Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.”

When we look at ourselves, really look deeply at ourselves, often times we do not like what we see. If we do, then one of two things has occurred, either we have been totally sanctified or we are stagnant. Since there is little to no possibility that we are totally sanctified and have become as pure and righteous and holy as Christ, then most likely we are stagnant.  When we look at ourselves and when we compare ourselves to the Law - the 10 Commandments - and to Christ, we will often find that we are lacking in some area which is the point of this exercise. We who are trying to become more like Christ and to live a life completely focused on Him must therefore desire to find those aspects of our lives that are not worthy of Christ, that are not aiding us in our Christian walk but rather holding us back. 

From here out on the 10 Commandments, the commands are simple in wording, but widespread in depth. On the surface, this command is purely about the premeditated taking of life. However, when we look at Matthew 5:21-22 Jesus takes it further. He says that anyone who is even angry at someone will be subject to judgment with the reference and connotation meaning the same judgment as someone who commits murder. Why? Because when we are angry at or with someone, we commit murder to them in our hearts. When we gossip, we murder their social reputation. We may not  murder a person, but we can think about it and we do. We imagine all sorts of things happening to them, like the guy who just cut us off in traffic suddenly being pulled over by a cop, or the lady who purchases the last bottle of perfume getting sick from it being contaminated. We all have these scenarios that run through our heads when we get upset with someone.

When was the last time we were upset with someone? When were we angry?  When was the last time we committed murder in our hearts and broke this commandment? How often do we find ourselves angry? How often do we gossip? How often to we act in a retaliatory manner towards others? I know I have been angry at someone just this past week!

This next week, lets take another look at how we interact with people. Lets try to catch ourselves earlier on before we get angry and remind ourselves that we are pursuing Christ-likeness, not retaliation, fairness, or “whats right” which is all what the world tells us to pursue in such situations. We are above the world, lets remember that!

"Take up thy Cross," the Savior said,
"if thou wouldst my disciple be;
deny thyself, the world forsake,
and humbly follow after me."
                       ^{Charles W. Everest, 1833}