When I was growing up, we had a few major rules that our parents enforced. They probably sound familiar to you. Never lie. Never steal. Obey your parents. Respect one another, especially your elders. And never – ever miss Sunday Mass. These rules to live by provided order to our home which was greatly needed! When we failed to follow these rules, there would be consequences.

As Catholics, we have God’s rules to follow. Some of them are found in the Old Testament. In the Book of Deuteronomy –God gives us the ten commandments. In Deuteronomy, Chapter 5, verse 32 and 33, we hear:

“Be careful, therefore, to do as the LORD, your God, has commanded you, not turning aside to the right or to the left, but following exactly the way that the LORD, your God, commanded you, that you may live and prosper.”

Do you know the ten commandments? Here’s the list from Deuteronomy.

I AM THE LORD THY GOD: THOU SHALL NOT HAVE STRANGE GODS BEFORE ME.

THOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN.

KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY.

HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER.

THOU SHALL NOT KILL.

THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.

THOU SHALL NOT STEAL.

THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHOUR.

THOU SHALL NOT COVET THY NEIGHOUR’S WIFE.

THOU SHALL NOT COVET THY NEIGHOUR’S GOODS.

As you strive to develop holy and healthy habits for your family, here’s a great place to look for guidance. The Ten Commandments. God wants us to live and prosper and he is showing us the way.

-Teresa Peterson, Making Space for Grace