Some say that the Tenth Commandment is there to remind us that the Law is impossible to follow. Others (and I'm of this persuasion) say it is God's way of pointing out that if we are truly grateful for what we have, the rest of the commands will be met as we express that gratitude.

To understand that, we're going to need to realize that the word "covet" doesn't refer to a sports car.

Join our examination of the Tenth Word of God! I really covet your attention to this subject - and that's just fine.

A HUGE problem with the way we tend to think about the Ten Commandments as separate rules for how to live our individual lives is that it isn't true. The deeper message behind each of God's utterances is always one of growing a community based on love and care rather than one set on rules and condemnation. That doesn't mean we don't have responsibility to uphold certain things as individuals, but it does mean that we need to stop thinking "What does this mean to me?" and get back to thinking "How do my choices effect the whole community?" And, if you think, "My little thing isn't hurting anyone," or "My thing is only hurting one or two people," or "My tiny, insignificant thing is just a spark that's going to wink out of existence and not matter to anyone," then you're ignoring the reality that even the smallest of sparks can become the largest of conflagrations.

Is the Ninth Commandment about lying? And does it matter? Join our discussion today and find out.

Stealing is a horrific crime of violence, whether its being done by a shoplifter taking a candy bar or a businessperson enriching themselves by taking advantage of their employees and customers. Such things make our souls cry out for JUSTICE to be done!

But do you understand what justice is? Because, in God's view, it doesn't involve punishment or prison sentences. What?! Am I sure? Yes, I am, because Biblical justice is spelled out and it is based on redemption and reconciliation. It provides an opportunity for the offender to be brought into the community rather than removing them from it.

And this is about SO MUCH MORE than taking things....