24th April 2025

24th April 2025


Pray (ACts)


Read (Exodus 20v17)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


By this stage I’m sure you are not surprised when the Westminster Larger Catechism takes a commandment and outlines it in a fulsome manner. But as our look at the commandments comes to an end, the Larger Catechism is uncharacteristically brief in it’s treatment of the tenth commandment.


What is required of us in the tenth commandment? The Catechism answers “The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition, and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbor, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his.”


This straightforward reply points us in two directions. Firstly, the tenth commandment requires us to be content with our own estate. This isn’t something that any of us finds easy, we often daydream about all sorts of life improvements. How better would things be if your wage doubled? Wouldn’t it be great if you had a new wife/husband? How improved would your mood be if you finally bought that “forever home”? Let me stress that while you shouldn’t be daydreaming about another man/woman, there is nothing sinful about a promotion, bigger wage or even moving house. The problem comes when we are utterly captured by the temporary shiny lights of this world. They become idols which capture our hearts and rob our contentment.


Secondly, we aren’t to gaze longingly at all our neighbour owns but we are to be charitable towards him. Indeed, our charity should seek his good. There is a begrudging spirit in the modern world which loves nothing more than to see people fall flat on their faces. Often it is those who we see as successful who are the target of our bitterness. Elon Musk is one of the richest men alive and because of his support of Donald Trump he has gone from hero to villain in just a few short years. You might believe that Musk deserves all he gets but is that attitude in keeping with the demands of the tenth commandment?


If you neighbour has just added a whopping great extension to his home or his wife is just back from Turkey with bright white shiny teeth, don’t you worry your wee head. Pray for your neighbour, bless him with kindness and work to further all that good which is his. It is in this manner that you protect your heart from covetousness and bring glory to the Gospel of Christ. 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q66 What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
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