Apr 27, 2024

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments, carved into stone on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17), are God’s enduring gift—a roadmap to love Him and others with our whole lives. For Catholic professionals, they’re both a spiritual anchor and a practical guide, shaping our hearts in prayer and our hands in the workplace. Let’s dive deeper into their wisdom and see how they speak to us today.

The Commandments: Timeless Wisdom for Today

  1. I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before Me.

    God claims first place, above all rivals—wealth, power, or even our own egos. Exodus 20:3 isn’t just about pagan statues; it’s about what rules our hearts. In a career-driven world, this might mean choosing Sunday Mass over a networking brunch or pausing for a morning prayer instead of diving straight into emails. It’s a quiet rebellion against the gods of productivity, rooting us in the One who matters most.

  2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

    God’s name is sacred, a gift not to be tossed around lightly (Exodus 20:7). This goes beyond avoiding curses—it’s about honoring His presence in every word. At work, it’s resisting the urge to vent frustration with a flippant “Oh my God,” instead speaking with the reverence you’d show in church. The Psalms call His name a “strong tower” (Psalm 61:3)—treat it that way, even under deadline stress.

  3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.

    God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), and so should we—setting it apart for worship and renewal (Exodus 20:8-11). For the professional, this isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a lifeline. Skip the urge to answer emails on Sunday—go to Mass, share a meal with loved ones, or walk in silence. The Catechism (CCC 2184) calls it a “protest against the servitude of work.” It’s trusting God enough to let go of control one day a week.

  4. Honor your father and mother.

    Respect for parents, God’s first gift to us, extends to all rightful authority (Exodus 20:12). St. Paul ties this to a promise: “that your days may be long” (Ephesians 6:2-3). In the office, it’s listening to a seasoned colleague’s advice, thanking a mentor who paved your way, or calling your parents after a long week. It’s not blind obedience but a posture of humility, recognizing the roots that hold you up.

  5. You shall not kill.

    Life is God’s masterpiece, inviolable from womb to tomb (Exodus 20:13). Jesus ramps this up in Matthew 5:21-22—anger and insults are murder’s cousins. Professionally, it’s more than not harming physically; it’s killing off bitterness—refusing to trash-talk a rival or snap at a slow teammate. Instead, offer a word that builds life, like a thank-you note or a patient ear. Every person’s dignity reflects God’s image.

  6. You shall not commit adultery.

    Marriage mirrors God’s faithful love, and this command protects it (Exodus 20:14). Jesus deepens it—lust is adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). At work, it’s staying true to your spouse (or future spouse) in thought and action—sidestepping flirtations or compromising situations. It’s also about fidelity to commitments: don’t “cheat” on your values for a quick win. Purity isn’t just personal; it’s professional integrity too.

  7. You shall not steal.

    God gives; we don’t take (Exodus 20:15). This covers more than wallets—time, credit, resources count too. In the workplace, it’s paying employees fairly, not skimping on hours, or giving a nod to the coworker whose idea sparked yours. The early Church shared everything (Acts 2:44-45)—imagine that generosity flipping the script on a cutthroat culture. Stealing hoards; faith trusts there’s enough.

  8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

    Truth is God’s language; lies fracture His world (Exodus 20:16). Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” At your desk, it’s owning a mistake instead of blaming the intern, or keeping promises even when it’s inconvenient. Online, it’s resisting the urge to exaggerate your LinkedIn profile. Truth isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about trust, the glue of every team.

  9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

    This guards the heart against lust, seeing others as persons, not prizes (Exodus 20:17). Jesus calls us to purity of intention (Matthew 5:8). In a professional setting, it’s rejecting objectification—maybe skipping crude jokes at the water cooler or redirecting a wandering thought about a colleague. It’s work as worship, honoring God by honoring His creation in everyone around you.

  10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
    Envy poisons peace; gratitude restores it (Exodus 20:17). St. Paul urges us to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Instead of resenting a coworker’s raise, celebrate it—and thank God for your own blessings, like a steady job or a supportive boss. Coveting chases shadows; this command points us to contentment, a rare treasure in a comparison-driven world.

A Catholic Lens

Jesus fulfills these laws with love (Matthew 5:17), splitting them into two: love God (1-3), love neighbor (4-10). The Catechism (CCC 2052-2557) shows their depth—sin breaks them, grace heals us. Confession wipes the slate clean; the Eucharist fuels us to live them out. They’re not a burden but a bridge to God’s heart.

Why They Matter Now

In an age of “do what feels good,” the Commandments stand like bedrock. They free us from chaos—greed, betrayal, exhaustion—inviting us into order and purpose. The seventh, for instance, isn’t just “don’t swipe”—it’s a call to fairness in contracts or generosity in tips, reflecting God’s justice.

A Path to True Success

The Ten Commandments are God’s voice, not a relic—calling us to love with abandon, in spirit and action. St. John Paul II said, “They liberate us for the fullness of life.” At your desk or in your pew, they’re your guide to thriving.

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