Make a Personal Ten Commandments

Written By Scott Paczkowski

Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
— (John 14:15)

Let me share with you my private list of ten commandments. These ten commandments change regularly as my challenges change.

1.      Thou shall not get so busy I ignore my wife and family.

2.      Thou shall not make daily tasks a burden but remember, each activity I chose to perform is a gift to God.

3.      Thou shall not forget to make prayer a daily activity.

4.      Thou shall not allow another person to consume my mind with anger or resentment.

5.      Thou shall not give up hope no matter how dire the situation.

6.      Thou shall not allow oneself to hate. (Except asparagus, which is Satan’s vegetable.)

7.      Thou shall honor God in worship, prayer, and caring for others, not out of obligation, but with a trusting heart.

8.      Thou shall find joy and humor in the mundane and eventful parts of each day.

9.      Thou will not make a god out of perceived successes or failures.

10.  Thou shall not belittle or narcissistically celebrate oneself but strive each day to view my role as honoring God through sharing the good news in preaching, teaching, and caring.

 Now, it is your turn. Do not just think about your ten commandments but write them down. Do not see them as cast in stone, but a working, living list that transitions as you transform throughout your life. The more you write and re-write your ten commandments. The more it will feel instinctual. But, writing your ten commandments will hold you accountable while affirming your decisions and actions. God bless you as you strive to find a more profound connection with God.

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