How can respecting God's commandments be applied in our daily lives today? Setting the Scene: John 19:31 and the Commandment in View “It was the Day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. So in order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have their legs broken and the bodies removed.” (John 19:31) • The leaders were zealous to keep two divine instructions: – The Sabbath command (Exodus 20:8–11). – The statute prohibiting leaving a body hanging overnight (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). • Even in the turmoil of crucifixion, God’s Word shaped decisions. Their concern—though imperfect—shows how honoring commandments can influence practical action. Principles Drawn: Why Commandments Matter Today • Commandments reveal God’s character; to respect them is to honor Him (Leviticus 11:44). • Jesus affirmed their enduring authority: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Obedience expresses love, not legalism: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) Ways to Live It Out: Daily Respect for God’s Word Time • Build Sabbath rhythms—weekly worship, rest, and reflection. • Schedule non-negotiable slots for Scripture and prayer before other tasks. Speech • Speak truth (Ephesians 4:25). • Refuse gossip and coarse joking (Ephesians 5:4); use words to bless. Relationships • Honor parents and elders (Ephesians 6:1–3). • Practice reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23–24). Work and Integrity • Labor diligently, “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Keep contracts and promises; let “Yes” be yes (Matthew 5:37). Purity • Guard heart and eyes (Job 31:1; Matthew 5:28). • Choose media and entertainment that elevate, not erode, holiness. Stewardship • Tithe and give generously (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8). • Care for creation—reducing waste, treating animals ethically (Proverbs 12:10). Witness • Display Christlike conduct so others “see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (1 Peter 2:12). • Share the gospel in word and deed (Matthew 28:19–20). Linked Scriptures to Illuminate the Point • Psalm 119:105 — God’s Word as a guiding lamp. • James 1:22 — Be doers, not hearers only. • Matthew 5:17–19 — Christ fulfills, never abolishes, the Law. • Romans 13:8–10 — Love as the sum of the commandments. Encouragement to Walk in Obedience Respecting God’s commandments is not a nostalgic nod to ancient rules but the daily pathway to loving fellowship with the Lord, practical wisdom, and compelling witness in a watching world. |
    |