Sunday morning's church service really spoke to my heart.
The message was centered around Deuteronomy 5:7-21, the Ten Commandments, and how God's commandments are not simply rules to follow, but a guide for how we are to live, love, and represent Christ in our daily lives.
As the pastor spoke about marriage, parenting, and being united as one body in Christ, I found myself reflecting on my own life and the responsibility we have as Christians to set an example for our children.
One verse that stood out to me was:
"You shall have no other gods before Me." — Deuteronomy 5:7
How often do we allow other things to take God's place in our lives? Worry. Money. Relationships. Our schedules. Our own desires. Yet God calls us to put Him first above everything else.
The pastor talked about marriage being a picture of unity. A husband and wife are called to become one flesh, serving and honoring God together. Just as marriage is meant to reflect unity, we as believers are called to be united as the Body of Christ. When we follow God's Word and live according to His commandments, we become a testimony to those around us.
As a single mom, this message challenged me in a different way.
It reminded me that even though my life may not look exactly as I once planned, my calling remains the same. I am still called to follow God's Word. I am still called to honor Him with my choices. I am still called to teach my children what it means to walk faithfully with the Lord.
Children learn far more from what they see than what they hear.
If I claim to be a Christian, my children should see me praying.
They should see me forgiving.
They should see me showing grace.
They should see me honoring others.
They should see me standing on God's truth even when it is difficult.
One of the commandments tells us to honor our father and mother. As parents, we often teach that verse to our children, but today God reminded me that honoring Him comes first. When we honor God through obedience, we naturally become better examples for our children.
What touched me most about today's message was the reminder that faith is not just something we talk about on Sundays. Faith should influence how we treat our spouse, how we raise our children, how we speak to others, and how we live when no one is watching.
God's commandments are not meant to burden us. They are meant to protect us, guide us, and draw us closer to Him.
Today I left church feeling encouraged and challenged at the same time. Encouraged because God's grace covers my mistakes. Challenged because I know there is always room to grow.
I want my children to see a mother who loves Jesus more than anything else.
I want them to know that following Christ is not about perfection but about obedience, repentance, faithfulness, and grace.
Most of all, I want my life to point them toward the One who never fails.
Today's message reminded me that if we truly call ourselves Christians, we must be willing to live differently. We must be willing to follow God's Word, obey His commandments, and trust His plan for our lives.
Not because we have to.
But because we love Him.
"If you love Me, keep My commandments." — John 14:15
– Kerri Anderson ♥