The 10 Commandments in 26 Words

For the last two weeks, Pastor Jude has issued a challenge to the children in our church to try and memorize the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. Our eldest three tackled the version in the New City Catechism that Jude reads from on Sundays:

First, that we know God as the only true God.
Second, that we avoid all idolatry.
Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence.
Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in worship of God.
Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother.
Sixth, that we do not hurt or hate our neighbor.
Seventh, that we live purely and faithfully.
Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else.
Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive.
Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone.

However, we wanted our youngest, who is four years old, to also have a go at memorizing with his older siblings. So, we tried to put them into a version suitable for him to memorize. We used some hand signals and actions to help us out and crystalized the commandments into 26 words. The shorter version isn’t perfect, but even our four-year-old could get it! Here are the abbreviated commandments: 

1. There is one God.
2. No idols.
3. Love God’s name.
4. Go to church.
5. Love Mommy and Daddy.
6. Don’t hurt.
7. Don’t cheat.
8. Don’t steal.
9. Don’t lie.
10. Be content.

It’s amazing the conversations that you can have at home just by bringing God’s Word into the discussion. Most importantly, learning this part of God’s Word has given us a chance to show our kids how we fall short of even this simple list every day, and why we need Jesus to be our Saviour.

For our family, reading catechisms and memorizing Scripture is a means to an end – the chief end of humans – to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If your family is looking for a way to do devotions together, this is a great place to start.