Keeping the OTHER Commandments

Life coach Letitia (Tish) Suk encourages women to live intentionally, focused on the practical truth in the Word of God. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she expands our thinking about God's commandments with some scriptures we perhaps never thought about as "commands."

"I find keeping the Ten Commandments not that hard," Letitia says. "Lying, stealing, adultery don’t tempt me. I would have a hard time taking the Lord’s name in vain. I can honor my mother and the memory of my father most of the time. I like keeping the Sabbath."

I (Dawn) think we all struggle at some time with some of the commandments, but I wondered where Letitia was going with this.

Letitia continues . . .

It is the OTHER Commandments that keep me coming back for another round of help.

Tucked mostly into the Epistles, a whole other set of Ten Commandments is given to help us follow in the way of Jesus. Have you noticed them?

The commandment I have the hardest time keeping wasn't even mentioned on Mt. Sinai.

Jesus gave the instruction and later Paul picked up the theme.

"Don't be anxious about anything."

Sometimes it's worded "don't worry," but the main idea is the same.

I break that one every day. I think you do too. I would like an exclusion clause—stuff it is OK to be anxious about, like global conflict or warming, the world economy as well as my own. I feel justified being anxious about health and the safety of those I love. And whether or not it is going to rain on the day of my son's outdoor wedding.

In fact, being anxious feels like I am doing something, making my contribution.

But no, not allowed.

The Word says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Is it possible to never be anxious?

Probably not, but a few practices have helped me manage it better along the way.

• Hand over the issue in prayer as soon as the anxious thoughts show up rather than way into it— you can often throw the worry into reverse gear.
• Remember God’s faithfulness in all the past circumstances which seemed scary. There are a lot of examples you can come up with. Ask him to bring some to mind if you are stuck.
• Recognize most “worst case scenarios” never happen.
• Text a few friends to pray for you to get through the rough spot. Ask them to do the same towards you in their anxious moments.
• Hold your hands out or up and ask for the promised peace.

By the way, if anxiety has a deep hold on you, get help from a professional.

I still agree with that one being the hardest commandment, but I have noticed a few more nominees for the award.

Here are nine more commandments for your consideration:

1. Do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14.) I definitely fail on the “everything” part. 
2. Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16). I think I can say “often,” but for sure not always.
3. Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I think I have this one covered some of the time.
4. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). How about just the ones I like?
5. Be patient in affliction (Romans 12:12). Nope, not yet. Working on it.
6. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Two disclaimers on this one. Whew! What if the whole world followed this one?
7. Do not judge (says Jesus.) Ever? No exceptions here.
8. Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:3). Really? Usually not my first response.
9. Do not be afraid (all over the Bible.) I think we must need a reminder of this one the most as it is mentioned so often, don't you?

The good news is:  

If God asks us to pay attention to these commandments, He will help us work them into our day-to-day lives.

Picture how following any one of these OTHER Commands might change your perspective. It could be so amazing!

Which one would you like to start with? "Stop grumbling about the weather" is a good place for me to begin!

Letitia (Tish) Suk, www.letitiasuk.com, invites women to create an intentional life centered in Jesus. She is a blogger and the author of Getaway with God: The Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat, Rhythms of Renewal and the upcoming 100 Need-to-Know Tips for Moms of Tweens and Teens. She is a speaker, personal retreat guide, and life coach in the Chicago area. Find out more about Tish at www.letitiasuk.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of free Clipart.