The logic behind the 10 Commandments
It’s easy to view God as a dictator who arbitrarily makes rules just so he can feel powerful. However, I think there’s a lot more to God’s rules than just a power trip. There are logical reasons why God gave us each one of the ten commandments, and they all benefit those who live by them.
Rejecting other gods
In ancient history, every civilization had their own gods. Even the Old Testament refers to the gods of other nations. Many of these gods may have been made up by man’s imagination, but it’s also possible that many of them were demons who had very real powers and revealed themselves to man. If the Bible is true, then rejecting “other gods” will protect us from getting involved with demons.
Rejecting idols
An idol can be anything that we make sacrifices for besides God. Money can be an idol that I sacrifice my time to. Physical pleasure can be an idol that I sacrifice my affections for. Sacrificing my resources for anything less than God will only be a waste of my resources. Rejecting idols is what protects me from wasting my time and energy.
Taking God seriously
(Or “not taking his name in vain”)
If the Bible is true, and mankind really does have an all-knowing, all-powerful creator, then taking him seriously would definitely work out to my own advantage. At work, I take my boss seriously, because he has authority over me. My livelihood is in his hands.
Observing the Sabbath
Resting is a good thing. Taking a break from my work actually recharges me, making me even more productive when I return.
Honoring my parents
Even though my parents might not always be right, they are older than me and have more life experience. They sacrificed their time, energy, and money for twenty years straight just so that I could become an adult. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t even be here. Even when I disagree with them, treating them with honor and respect will only make my own life easier, and richer, and more fulfilling.
Avoiding murder
This one is easy. Avoiding murder will keep me out of prison, thus making my life far better than it would be if I were a murderer. Also, I can’t imagine all the paranoia, guilt, and emotional baggage that would come with murdering someone.
Staying faithful to my spouse
Another no-brainer. My spouse is supposed to be “my other half”. It only makes sense to honor her with love, care, and respect. Not only does staying faithful to her protect me from her wrath, but it also protects me from the disunity, guilt, and emotional baggage that comes with having an affair. It’s super easy to see how staying faithful to my spouse is a logical thing to do.
Avoiding theft
Avoiding theft is another one that’s super easy to see the logic behind, because if I get caught stealing, I’ll be put in prison. I imagine that stealing would also give me lots of guilt, paranoia, and emotional baggage. Also: avoiding theft forces me to work harder for the things I want to buy. It’s just more logical to avoid theft and avoid the consequences associated with it.
Avoiding lies
Although it can sometimes be easier or more convenient to lie, lying causes problems. Lying makes me untrustworthy, and usually ends up hurting people when they find out the truth. If I avoid lying, then I am training myself to do the harder things that cause me to grow. It teaches me how to deliver the truth sensitively and earns the respect and trust of my peers.
Being content
(Or “do not covet”)
Being content is the secret to happiness. When I am jealous and desire all these things I don’t have, then that’s where I get discontent, frustrated, and unhappy. Being content with what I have definitely plays to my own benefit, as I am the one who reaps the happiness from it.
The ten commandments listed in the Bible all seem to be founded in logic. Following them seems like it will only make my life fuller, richer, and more enjoyable.