Where do traditional family values come from? Did you know that God gave us 10 values for family living? We call them the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).

These are not values that are faddish. They are not influenced by culture. They do not come and go. These are lasting values that have stood the test of time. In fact, these values form the bedrock of Western civilization. They are the foundation on which our entire judicial and legal system has been built.

The Ten Commandments are commandments that came directly from God. For the next few weeks, we’re going to explore how these commandments, these values can make a difference in the American family.

Some may be tempted to say, “These commands were given thousands of years ago. How can they make a difference in my life today?” The principles found in the Word of God are timeless. When God gave these commands, there was no expiration date. In the book of Deuteronomy, he told us to remember them and teach them to our children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

God gave us these commandments not to hurt us but to help us. The commandments are not to hamper us but to release us, not to punish us but to protect us.

When I tell a child, “Don’t touch a hot stove.” I am doing that for their good. Every time God says, “Don’t” in the Bible, it’s always for a positive purpose. When God says, “No,” he does so for our own benefit. If you ignore what he says, you do so to your own peril. You will get hurt.

God has lined up the universe by universal laws. The universe operates by certain physical laws.

One example is the law of gravity. You must cooperate with this law or you will get hurt. You can ignore the law of gravity and jump out a window on the 10th floor of a building, but if you do, you won’t break the law of gravity. The law of gravity will break you.

Likewise, there are spiritual laws. God says these are the tracks on which we are to run. They are not the 10 suggestions. They are the Ten Commandments. They’re not optional.

God says you do these things and life will go well. Violate these laws, and there is a price to pay. You will suffer the consequences when you violate God’s commands.

We all need boundaries. We need to know what’s right and what’s wrong. God provides us with certain parameters for our own good.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].