Why study the 10 Why study the 10 CommandmentsCommandments??

D&C 130:20-21 would be D&C 130:20-21 would be one good reason!one good reason!

Exodus 20Exodus 20

““The most important of all the The most important of all the commandments of God is that one that commandments of God is that one that you’re having the most difficulty keeping you’re having the most difficulty keeping todaytoday. If it’s one of dishonesty, if it’s one . If it’s one of dishonesty, if it’s one of unchastity, if it’s one of falsifying, not of unchastity, if it’s one of falsifying, not telling the truth, today is the day for you telling the truth, today is the day for you to work on that until you’ve been able to to work on that until you’ve been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start conquer that weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s most difficult for on the next one that’s most difficult for you to keep” (you to keep” (Church NewsChurch News, 5 May 1973, , 5 May 1973, 3).3).

Perhaps the greatest Perhaps the greatest indication of the importance indication of the importance of the Ten Commandments is of the Ten Commandments is that they are found in three of that they are found in three of the four standard works of the the four standard works of the ChurchChurch. .

1. Mosiah 13:12-24 1. Mosiah 13:12-24 2. Deuteronomy 5:6-21 2. Deuteronomy 5:6-21 3. D&C 42:18-29; 3. D&C 42:18-29; 59:5-959:5-94. Matthew 5:17-374. Matthew 5:17-37

These sixty-seven words can be read in less These sixty-seven words can be read in less than thirty seconds, and yet if they were than thirty seconds, and yet if they were followed, they would quickly transform our earth followed, they would quickly transform our earth into God’s paradiseinto God’s paradise. But we not only disobey . But we not only disobey these important laws; many people don’t even these important laws; many people don’t even know what they are. One man once said to his know what they are. One man once said to his friend, ‘I will give you five dollars if you can friend, ‘I will give you five dollars if you can repeat any one of the Ten Commandments.’ His repeat any one of the Ten Commandments.’ His friend accepted the challenge and proceeded to friend accepted the challenge and proceeded to demonstrate his knowledge by saying, ‘Now I demonstrate his knowledge by saying, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.’ His friend said, ‘Here’s Lord my soul to take.’ His friend said, ‘Here’s the money. I didn’t think that you could do it’” the money. I didn’t think that you could do it’” (Sterling W. Sill, “Thou Shalt Not,” (Sterling W. Sill, “Thou Shalt Not,” EnsignEnsign, Dec. , Dec. 1971, 93).1971, 93).

These Commandments Show Man These Commandments Show Man The Three Great Priorities Of Our The Three Great Priorities Of Our LifeLife::

1. 1. The first four commandments show him his The first four commandments show him his proper proper relationship to God.relationship to God.

2.2. The fifth commandment establishes the The fifth commandment establishes the importance of the importance of the family and proper family family and proper family relationships.relationships.

3.3. The last five commandments regulate man’s The last five commandments regulate man’s relationships with his fellowmen.relationships with his fellowmen.

A man who has committed himself to the perfecting of A man who has committed himself to the perfecting of his relationships with God, family, and fellowmen is well his relationships with God, family, and fellowmen is well on his way to perfection in all thingson his way to perfection in all things..

““Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before MeBefore Me” (#1)” (#1)

This commandment gives mankind their first This commandment gives mankind their first priority in life. priority in life. If God is not first, then all If God is not first, then all other things are affectedother things are affected..

God will not favor us if we put him in second God will not favor us if we put him in second place in our lives and if we follow worldly place in our lives and if we follow worldly things regardless of what they may be.things regardless of what they may be.

We must have an eye single to the glory of We must have an eye single to the glory of God.God.

God is the fountain of God is the fountain of happiness, and no intelligent happiness, and no intelligent creature can be happy but creature can be happy but through him….The very first through him….The very first commandment of the whole commandment of the whole series is divinely calculated to series is divinely calculated to prevent man’s misery and prevent man’s misery and promote his happiness, by promote his happiness, by taking him to God himself, the taking him to God himself, the fountain of all good (Clarke, fountain of all good (Clarke, Bible CommentaryBible Commentary, 1:402-3)., 1:402-3).

““Thou Shalt Not Make unto Thee Thou Shalt Not Make unto Thee Any Graven ImageAny Graven Image” (#2)” (#2)

““Modern idols or false gods can take such Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses, forms as clothes, homes, businesses, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors and numerous other material deflectors from the path to godhoodfrom the path to godhood. .

Brigham Young said I would as soon see a Brigham Young said I would as soon see a man worshipping a little god made of man worshipping a little god made of brass or of wood as to see him brass or of wood as to see him worshipping his property (worshipping his property (JDJD, 6:196)., 6:196).

Degrees and titles can become idolsDegrees and titles can become idols..

Some neglect Church service through their Some neglect Church service through their college yearscollege years, feeling to give preference to the , feeling to give preference to the secular training and ignoring the spiritual secular training and ignoring the spiritual covenants they have made.covenants they have made.

Many people build and furnish a home and buy Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first – then find they “cannot the automobile first – then find they “cannot afford” to pay tithing.afford” to pay tithing.

Young married couples who postpone Young married couples who postpone parenthood until their degrees are attained parenthood until their degrees are attained might be shocked if their expressed preference might be shocked if their expressed preference were labeled idolatrywere labeled idolatry..

Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the weekend picnics and outings.vacation, the weekend picnics and outings.

Others have as their idols the games of sport, Others have as their idols the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf.baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf.

Still another image men worship is that of Still another image men worship is that of power and prestige.power and prestige.

These Gods of power, wealth, and influence These Gods of power, wealth, and influence are most demanding and are quite as real as are most demanding and are quite as real as the golden calves of the children of Israel in the golden calves of the children of Israel in the wildernessthe wilderness ( (Miracle of ForgivenessMiracle of Forgiveness, 40-, 40-42).42).

What Is Wrong With Searching For “Many What Is Wrong With Searching For “Many RichesRiches?”?”

President Brigham Young said, “The worst fear I have about President Brigham Young said, “The worst fear I have about this people is that they will get rich in this country, forget God this people is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and his people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the and his people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true. robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true. But my greater fear for them is that they cannot stand But my greater fear for them is that they cannot stand wealthwealth” (Brigham Young, cited in Preston Nibley, ” (Brigham Young, cited in Preston Nibley, Brigham Brigham YoungYoung, 127-28)., 127-28).

I Timothy 6:10I Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.themselves through with many sorrows.

““Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord Thy God in Vainthe Lord Thy God in Vain” (#3)” (#3)

It is implied that His children must have a deep and It is implied that His children must have a deep and reverential attitude about God and his name.reverential attitude about God and his name.

This precept not only forbids all false oaths, but all This precept not only forbids all false oaths, but all common swearing where the name of God is used, or common swearing where the name of God is used, or where he is appealed to as a witness of the truth.where he is appealed to as a witness of the truth.

It is difficult to understand how a person may truly and It is difficult to understand how a person may truly and sincerely approach God in prayer, seeking a blessing at sincerely approach God in prayer, seeking a blessing at his hand, at the same time be so disrespectful as to his hand, at the same time be so disrespectful as to take his name in vain.take his name in vain.

Profanity is incompatible with reverence.Profanity is incompatible with reverence.

““Remember the Sabbath DayRemember the Sabbath Day” ” (#4)(#4)

The commandment is to labor six days and rest the The commandment is to labor six days and rest the seventh.seventh.

The Hebrew word The Hebrew word ShabbatShabbat means “rest,” or cessation of means “rest,” or cessation of labor.”labor.”

Under the Mosaic dispensation, the violation of the Sabbath Under the Mosaic dispensation, the violation of the Sabbath was a capital crimewas a capital crime..

The death penalties attached to the violation of the The death penalties attached to the violation of the Sabbath in the Old Testament era convey two very obvious Sabbath in the Old Testament era convey two very obvious assumptionsassumptions::

FirstFirst:: the Sabbath is so important that the the Sabbath is so important that the violation violation of it is a capital offense.of it is a capital offense.

SecondSecond: : that the violation of that the violation of the Sabbath laws the Sabbath laws involved a kind of death in and of itself.involved a kind of death in and of itself.

Concerning the Sabbath, the Star Concerning the Sabbath, the Star offered this adviceoffered this advice: :

““The Lord is not well pleased with a The Lord is not well pleased with a disciple that does any thing on that holy disciple that does any thing on that holy day that should be done on a laboring day that should be done on a laboring day. Nor should a disciple go to meeting day. Nor should a disciple go to meeting one Sabbath here, and another there; let one Sabbath here, and another there; let all that can, be strict to attend meeting in all that can, be strict to attend meeting in their own place….Neither should the their own place….Neither should the children be allowed to slip off and play, children be allowed to slip off and play, rather than meet where they may be rather than meet where they may be trained up in the way they should go to trained up in the way they should go to be saved (be saved (The StarThe Star, 1832, 5)., 1832, 5).

Doctrine and Covenants Doctrine and Covenants 59:659:6

Anything like unto it!Anything like unto it!

Sabbath DaySabbath Day —— Holy Day or Holy Day or Holiday?Holiday?

Look at what you can do, not what Look at what you can do, not what you can’tyou can’t..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw&feature=related

Anciently, a sacrament was a ceremony in Anciently, a sacrament was a ceremony in which a soldier swore an oath of allegiance to which a soldier swore an oath of allegiance to his kinghis king. .

So it is in the realm of spiritual things; a So it is in the realm of spiritual things; a sacrament is a ceremony associated with a sacrament is a ceremony associated with a covenant in which we pledge loyalty to Christ covenant in which we pledge loyalty to Christ and the standards of the gospel. and the standards of the gospel.

Thus a sacrament is a formal expression of Thus a sacrament is a formal expression of commitment and loyalty to our divinely sent commitment and loyalty to our divinely sent King. King.

Not one Sabbath day should pass without Not one Sabbath day should pass without making the wrongs of the week rightmaking the wrongs of the week right..

Most sins would not be grievous, if Most sins would not be grievous, if attended to immediatelyattended to immediately..

““There is,” said David O. McKay, “no more sacred There is,” said David O. McKay, “no more sacred ordinance administered in the Church of Jesus Christ than ordinance administered in the Church of Jesus Christ than the administration of the Sacramentthe administration of the Sacrament.”.”

Doctrine and Covenants 59:9Doctrine and Covenants 59:9

““The true test!”The true test!”

The true test is here given. The true test is here given.

That which keeps us “unspotted from the world” is in That which keeps us “unspotted from the world” is in harmony with the law of the Sabbath; that which does harmony with the law of the Sabbath; that which does not so distinguish us is not in harmony with the spirit of not so distinguish us is not in harmony with the spirit of the daythe day. .

Our dressOur dress, , our speechour speech, and , and our behaviorour behavior on this day on this day should be such that it attests that we are a should be such that it attests that we are a covenant people who love and honor the Lord.covenant people who love and honor the Lord.

Anything less than this is less than the standard which Anything less than this is less than the standard which ought to be oursought to be ours. .

““I mention the Sabbath DayI mention the Sabbath Day””

The Sabbath of the Lord is becoming the play day of The Sabbath of the Lord is becoming the play day of the people. the people. It is a day of golf and football on It is a day of golf and football on televisiontelevision, of buying and selling in our stores and , of buying and selling in our stores and markets. markets.

Are we moving to mainstream America as some Are we moving to mainstream America as some observers believeobservers believe? ? In this I fear we areIn this I fear we are. What a . What a telling thing it is to see the parking lots of the telling thing it is to see the parking lots of the markets filled on Sunday in communities that are markets filled on Sunday in communities that are predominately LDS. predominately LDS.

Our strength for the future, our resolution to grow Our strength for the future, our resolution to grow the Church across the world, will be weakened if we the Church across the world, will be weakened if we violate the will of the Lord in this important matter. violate the will of the Lord in this important matter.

Homework on SundayHomework on Sunday??

““Over a lifetime of observation, it is clear to me that the Over a lifetime of observation, it is clear to me that the farmer who observes the Sabbath day seems to get more farmer who observes the Sabbath day seems to get more done on his farm than he would if he worked seven days. done on his farm than he would if he worked seven days. The mechanic will be able to turn out more and better The mechanic will be able to turn out more and better products in six days than in seven. The doctor, the products in six days than in seven. The doctor, the lawyer, the dentist, the scientist will accomplish more by lawyer, the dentist, the scientist will accomplish more by trying to rest on the Sabbath than if he tries to utilize trying to rest on the Sabbath than if he tries to utilize every day of the week for his professional work. I would every day of the week for his professional work. I would counsel all students, if they can, to arrange their counsel all students, if they can, to arrange their schedules so that they do not study on the Sabbath. schedules so that they do not study on the Sabbath. If If students and other seekers after truth will do this, their students and other seekers after truth will do this, their minds will be quickened and the infinite Spirit will lead minds will be quickened and the infinite Spirit will lead them to the verities they wish to learnthem to the verities they wish to learn. This is because . This is because God has hallowed his day and blessed it as a perpetual God has hallowed his day and blessed it as a perpetual covenant of faithfulness (Elder James E. Faust, covenant of faithfulness (Elder James E. Faust, EnsignEnsign, , Nov. 1991, 34). (Exodus 31:16)Nov. 1991, 34). (Exodus 31:16)

Doctrine and Covenants 59:12Doctrine and Covenants 59:12

Isaiah 58:13-14Isaiah 58:13-14

Oblations – in the highest sense giving full Oblations – in the highest sense giving full devotion to the Lord of offering him a broken devotion to the Lord of offering him a broken heart and contrite spirit (heart and contrite spirit (M.DM.D., 541-42).., 541-42).

Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14

Why fastWhy fast? ? ((Isaiah 58:5-11Isaiah 58:5-11))

Fasting without prayer is hardly more than a Fasting without prayer is hardly more than a period of irritating hunger. With prayer it is period of irritating hunger. With prayer it is spiritual strength and hunger. spiritual strength and hunger.

Doctrine and Covenants 59:13Doctrine and Covenants 59:13

““Fasting may be perfect”Fasting may be perfect”

Let it be remembered that the observance of the fast Let it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule, it is no ironclad law to us, drink is not an absolute rule, it is no ironclad law to us, but it is left with the people as a matter of conscience, but it is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion. to exercise wisdom and discretion.

Many are subject to weakness, others are delicate in Many are subject to weakness, others are delicate in health, and others having nursing babies; of such it health, and others having nursing babies; of such it should not be required to fast. should not be required to fast.

Neither should parents compel their little children to Neither should parents compel their little children to fastfast. (. (Gospel DoctrineGospel Doctrine, 243-44, President Joseph F. , 243-44, President Joseph F. Smith). Smith).

Toward the end of the century, economic changes in the Toward the end of the century, economic changes in the working world made it difficult to attend a daytime working world made it difficult to attend a daytime Thursday fast meeting. In 1896 Hyrum M. Smith, then a Thursday fast meeting. In 1896 Hyrum M. Smith, then a missionary in England, wrote to his father, President missionary in England, wrote to his father, President Joseph F. Smith, then second counselor in the First Joseph F. Smith, then second counselor in the First Presidency, about the difficulty members faced getting Presidency, about the difficulty members faced getting excused from their jobs to attend Thursday fast meetings. excused from their jobs to attend Thursday fast meetings. Workers had no paid leave, and “when these came from Workers had no paid leave, and “when these came from the pits, they had to go home, bathe, and change their the pits, they had to go home, bathe, and change their clothes” (Joseph Fielding Smith, “Prayer and Fasting,” clothes” (Joseph Fielding Smith, “Prayer and Fasting,” Improvement EraImprovement Era, Dec. 1956, 895). He asked if Sunday , Dec. 1956, 895). He asked if Sunday would be a more appropriate day.would be a more appropriate day.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve prayerfully discussed the question and felt guided to prayerfully discussed the question and felt guided to change fast meeting to the first Sunday of each month. In change fast meeting to the first Sunday of each month. In announcing the change, announcing the change, President Wilford Woodruff and President Wilford Woodruff and his counselors said they recognized the need to make the his counselors said they recognized the need to make the meeting more accessible to all members throughout the meeting more accessible to all members throughout the worldworld. . The change became effective on 6 December The change became effective on 6 December 18961896..

Each Sabbath is a day of fasting, abstaining Each Sabbath is a day of fasting, abstaining from the things of the world, including the good from the things of the world, including the good things of the worldthings of the world. .

The Sabbath is a day to refrain from worldly The Sabbath is a day to refrain from worldly activities regardless of how wholesome they activities regardless of how wholesome they may be. may be.

To justify participating in worldly activities on To justify participating in worldly activities on the Sabbath because they are good activities is the Sabbath because they are good activities is to have an imperfect fast. to have an imperfect fast.

““Not with much laughter, for this is sinNot with much laughter, for this is sin.”.”

Activities that lead to excessive laughter are Activities that lead to excessive laughter are not appropriate on the Sabbath (Galatians 5:22-not appropriate on the Sabbath (Galatians 5:22-23, D&C 88:69, D&C 88:121). 23, D&C 88:69, D&C 88:121).

Fasting is sometimes thought of as going without food Fasting is sometimes thought of as going without food and drink. Smith and Sjodahl pointed out “upon the and drink. Smith and Sjodahl pointed out “upon the Sabbath, even the food should be prepared ‘with Sabbath, even the food should be prepared ‘with singleness of heart’; that is to say, in simplicity.” singleness of heart’; that is to say, in simplicity.”

Our hearts our desires, on that day, would not be Our hearts our desires, on that day, would not be elaborate feast, whereby some are prevented from elaborate feast, whereby some are prevented from having a Sabbath. having a Sabbath.

A simple meal should suffice. To that extent every A simple meal should suffice. To that extent every Sabbath should be a fast day, one bringing perfect joy. Sabbath should be a fast day, one bringing perfect joy.

““Let thy food be prepared with singleness of Let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart”heart”

This is not a commandment precluding nice meals on This is not a commandment precluding nice meals on the Lord’s day, but rather that those that prepare meals the Lord’s day, but rather that those that prepare meals and those that receive of the bounty of the Lord and those that receive of the bounty of the Lord recognize the hand from whom all blessings flow. recognize the hand from whom all blessings flow.

Doctrine and Covenants 59:12Doctrine and Covenants 59:12

Isaiah 58:13-14Isaiah 58:13-14

Oblations – in the highest sense giving full Oblations – in the highest sense giving full devotion to the Lord of offering him a broken devotion to the Lord of offering him a broken heart and contrite spirit (heart and contrite spirit (M.DM.D., 541-42).., 541-42).

Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14

Why fastWhy fast? ? ((Isaiah 58:5-11Isaiah 58:5-11))

Fasting without prayer is hardly more than a Fasting without prayer is hardly more than a period of irritating hunger. With prayer it is period of irritating hunger. With prayer it is spiritual strength and hunger. spiritual strength and hunger.

““Honor Thy Father and Thy Honor Thy Father and Thy MotherMother” (#5)” (#5)

When parents are righteous, God-fearing people, children have When parents are righteous, God-fearing people, children have little problem understanding the commandment to honor them, little problem understanding the commandment to honor them, although they may have difficulty doing it.although they may have difficulty doing it.

Anytime a child lives righteously he brings honor to his parents, Anytime a child lives righteously he brings honor to his parents, whether those parents are themselves righteous or wicked. The whether those parents are themselves righteous or wicked. The opposite is also true. Anytime a child lives wickedly he brings opposite is also true. Anytime a child lives wickedly he brings shame to his parents, whether or not the parents are righteous.shame to his parents, whether or not the parents are righteous.

A parent may fail miserably in their calling, even to the point A parent may fail miserably in their calling, even to the point where a child cannot follow their example. The child still has the where a child cannot follow their example. The child still has the obligation to honor the parent because of the parent’s standing as obligation to honor the parent because of the parent’s standing as a representative of God.a representative of God.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated this principle as follows:Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated this principle as follows:

““Children come into mortality with the inborn requirement, planted Children come into mortality with the inborn requirement, planted in their souls by that very Being who gave them birth as spirits, to in their souls by that very Being who gave them birth as spirits, to honor their parents and to obey their counsel in righteousness” honor their parents and to obey their counsel in righteousness” ((DNTCDNTC, 2:521)., 2:521).

““That Thy Days May Be That Thy Days May Be LongLong””

““Paul interprets the promise as a personal Paul interprets the promise as a personal one. Obedient and faithful children are to one. Obedient and faithful children are to have long lives upon the earth. That is, in have long lives upon the earth. That is, in the generality of instances, temporal life is the generality of instances, temporal life is prolonged by obedience to gospel laws; prolonged by obedience to gospel laws; but, more particularly and in the ultimate but, more particularly and in the ultimate sense, those who are god-fearing and sense, those who are god-fearing and righteous – meaning the meek – shall live righteous – meaning the meek – shall live upon the earth again in its final or celestial upon the earth again in its final or celestial state” (D&C 86:16-20, state” (D&C 86:16-20, DNTCDNTC, 2:521-22)., 2:521-22).

““Thou Shalt Not KillThou Shalt Not Kill” (6)” (6)

It is in the same category as the It is in the same category as the rebellion of Satan and his hosts and rebellion of Satan and his hosts and therefore it would not be surprising if therefore it would not be surprising if the penalties to be imposed upon a the penalties to be imposed upon a murderer were to be of similar murderer were to be of similar character as the penalties meted out character as the penalties meted out to those spirits which were cast out of to those spirits which were cast out of heaven with Satan (Harold B. Lee in heaven with Satan (Harold B. Lee in “The Sixth Commandment,” Part 1, “The Sixth Commandment,” Part 1, The Ten Commandments TodayThe Ten Commandments Today, 88)., 88).

““Thou Shalt Not Commit AdulteryThou Shalt Not Commit Adultery” ” (#7)(#7)

There should be no sex relationships outside of marriage.There should be no sex relationships outside of marriage.

D&C 42:24D&C 42:24

Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.

But he that has committed adultery and repents with all But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive.shalt forgive.

But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.be cast out.

D&C 59:6D&C 59:6 ““Nor do anything like unto Nor do anything like unto itit””

As dramatic as the brave As dramatic as the brave passage through the Red Sea passage through the Red Sea was, those in our time who was, those in our time who make their way through a sea make their way through a sea of filth and still keep the of filth and still keep the seventh commandment will seventh commandment will be even more victorious and be even more victorious and deserving of praise (Neal A. deserving of praise (Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell, That Ye May BelieveThat Ye May Believe, , 125).125).

““Thou Shalt Not StealThou Shalt Not Steal” (#8)” (#8)

When a man seeks to reap the benefits of When a man seeks to reap the benefits of another’s labor without adequate another’s labor without adequate compensation, it is theft.compensation, it is theft.

To all thieveries and dishonest acts, the To all thieveries and dishonest acts, the Lord says, “Thou shalt not steal.”Lord says, “Thou shalt not steal.”

““Thou Shalt Not Bear False Thou Shalt Not Bear False WitnessWitness” (#9)” (#9)

To bear witness is to testify to or to pass To bear witness is to testify to or to pass along reports, insinuations, speculations, along reports, insinuations, speculations, or rumors as if they were true, to the hurt or rumors as if they were true, to the hurt of a fellow human being.of a fellow human being.

Bearing false witness centers in the Bearing false witness centers in the destruction of character or its destruction of character or its defamation. It reaches the ruin of defamation. It reaches the ruin of reputation.reputation.

““Thou Shalt Not Covet” Thou Shalt Not Covet” (#10)(#10)

All the commandments are so intertwined that All the commandments are so intertwined that none can be broken without weakening all the none can be broken without weakening all the othersothers..

The earth holds plenty for all – and the urge to The earth holds plenty for all – and the urge to acquire for ourselves such good things as other acquire for ourselves such good things as other men have is a productive quality of character – men have is a productive quality of character – provided that we acquire them by honest effort, by provided that we acquire them by honest effort, by lawful means, and by keeping life well-balanced. lawful means, and by keeping life well-balanced.

The danger comes when mere “things” begin to The danger comes when mere “things” begin to matter too muchmatter too much (Richard L. Evans, in “The Tenth (Richard L. Evans, in “The Tenth Commandment,” Part 1, Commandment,” Part 1, The Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments TodayToday, 142-44)., 142-44).

The Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments NowNow!!

CommandmentCommandment NowNow::

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. D&C 76:1-4D&C 76:1-4

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. D&C 1:15-16D&C 1:15-16

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy D&C 63:61-62D&C 63:61-62

God in vain.God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. D&C 59:9-13D&C 59:9-13

5. Honor thy Father and Mother.5. Honor thy Father and Mother. D&C 27:9D&C 27:9

6. Thou shalt not kill.6. Thou shalt not kill. D&C 42:18-19, 79D&C 42:18-19, 79

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. D&C 42:22-26, 74-81D&C 42:22-26, 74-81

8. Thou shalt not steal.8. Thou shalt not steal. D&C 42:20, 84-85D&C 42:20, 84-85

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness9. Thou shalt not bear false witness D&C 42:21, 27, 86D&C 42:21, 27, 86

10.Thou shalt not covet10.Thou shalt not covet D&C 19:25-26D&C 19:25-26

The Prophet Joseph Smith said:The Prophet Joseph Smith said:

““Happiness is the object and design of our Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. But we cannot commandments of God. But we cannot keep all the commandments without first keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we unless we comply with or keep those we have already received. That which is have already received. That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another” and often is, right under another” ((TeachingsTeachings, 255-56)., 255-56).

Doctrine and Covenants Doctrine and Covenants 59:5-959:5-9

““The New 10 CommandmentsThe New 10 Commandments””

This revelation not only re-establishes the law of This revelation not only re-establishes the law of the Sabbath for this dispensation but also the Sabbath for this dispensation but also reinstates the Decalogue, affirming that the Ten reinstates the Decalogue, affirming that the Ten Commandments as given to Moses on Sinai were Commandments as given to Moses on Sinai were part to the higher law rather than the law of part to the higher law rather than the law of carnal commandmentscarnal commandments. .

As given in this dispensation, these As given in this dispensation, these commandments are as followscommandments are as follows::

1.1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength.strength.

2.2. In the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt In the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.serve him.

3.3. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

4.4. Thou shalt not steal.Thou shalt not steal.

5.5. Neither commit adultery.Neither commit adultery.

6.6. Nor kill.Nor kill.

7.7. Nor do anything like unto it.Nor do anything like unto it.

8.8. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.things.

9.9. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.broken heart and a contrite spirit.

10.10. And that thou mayest more fully And that thou mayest more fully keep thy self unspotted from the world, keep thy self unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.day.