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How can we move the 10 Commandments from an isolated list of rules to something that we live as part of our daily walk in faith? One way is by recognizing how our weekly worship is intimately tied to these rules for life.

Understanding worship as a "rehearsal" of living the Christian life helps us build connections between what happens on Sunday morning and what happens throughout the rest of our week.

It's easiest to see the worship connection when we're speaking of the first three commandments (keep in mind, Martin Luther numbers the 10 commandments differently than most). By setting aside an hour to gather with God's people and focus on praising God, we are proclaiming that we worship God along, honoring God's name AND remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy.

But, what about the rest of the list?

Honor your father and mother
Honoring our Heavenly Father is clearly part of what we do in worship - but keep in mind that we also form a family in the congregation. Whether or not we worship with the family of our origin or every member of our household, being in worship together opens opportunities to honor our elders and share love with our family in God.

You must not murder.
Luther puts a positive spin on his explanation of the 5th Commandment, expanding the prohibition of murder to focus on helping and supporting others. There are opportunities to help and support one anther as we gather - but worship also affirms the sanctity of life and opens our hearts to seeing our neighbors through God's eyes.

You must not commit adultery.
The heart fo worship is love - a selfless love that follows the agape example of Jesus. Worship invites us to experience God's love and be inspired to love as Jesus loves - which prevents the abuse or misuse of love.

You must not steal.
By participating in the offering each week, we focus on giving rather than taking. Our offerings are a sign of trust in God to provide, reminding us that stealing from others has no place in life.

You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
Worship invites us to be truthful, especially about our brokenness. Recognizing and confessing our sins is an exercise in truth and trust. We need not lie about ourselves or others while held in God's truth and love.

You must not covet.
Finally, our covetous hearts are replaced in worship with a desire for God and trust in our Lord. Rather than focusing on what we do not have, worship invites us to focus on the gifts of God that shape and sustain our lives.

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