August 1, 2026
- djohnstoncc
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
FRAMEWORK OF FREEDOM
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’”
Genesis 1:28 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Today, we begin a study of what we commonly refer to as the Ten Commandments. This is our introduction.
What do you think of when you hear the word commandment? Most of us immediately think of restrictions, rules, or laws that carry heavy consequences if broken. But what if we shifted our perspective? I’d like us to consider that God’s commands are an invitation to freedom and a flourishing life.
Look at the very first command God gave in the Bible, found in our text today: “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.” God’s first instruction wasn’t a restriction; it was an invitation to Adam and Eve to enjoy life, expand humanity, and steward creation.
But what about the next time God gives a command? In Genesis 2, we read:
“But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’” — Genesis 2:16–17 (NLT)
At first glance, this sounds rather restrictive. Why put a beautiful tree in the garden only to tell Adam he can’t eat from it?
The answer lies in relationship. God desired a genuine love relationship with humanity, and true love requires a choice. Because God gave us free will, we must have the opportunity to activate that free will in favor of a relationship with Him.
Scripture tells us there was both the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the garden. Two trees, one choice: obey God and allow His life to flow through you or eat of the other tree and experience death. Both trees looked good to the natural eye. One offered a flourishing life of trust; the other offered the chance to reject God's path and "do your own thing."
Fast forward to Exodus 20. God chooses to give Moses ten specific commandments to bring structure and order to humanity. Notice how God introduces them:
“Then God gave the people all these instructions: ‘I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.’” — Exodus 20:1–2 (NLT)
God begins the Ten Commandments by reminding the people that He is the One who rescued them from slavery. He is giving these commands to keep them free. In fact, the Hebrew word often translated as "instructions" or "commandments" here is simply devarim—"words." These are words of life.
Years ago, my wife Cindy and I decided to get a fish tank. We thought it would be a wonderful thing for our boys. We purchased all the supplies, set it up, and bought the fish. Imagine if our sons, watching the fish swim around, decided to "free" them by taking them out of the tank and putting them on the kitchen table. That act of "freedom" would kill them.
The fish could only experience true freedom and flourish inside the tank. If they stayed within those boundaries, they had everything they needed because we supplied it all.
This is the heart of the Ten Commandments. They provide humanity with a protective framework that reveals the character of God and sketches a vision for the abundant life He desires for us. When we abide within these boundaries, we discover the vibrant life we were always intended to enjoy. They are words of invitation, not restriction.
King David echoes this in Psalm 1, writing that the person who delights in the law of the Lord will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, bearing fruit in season. He notes that this person will "prosper in all he does." True prosperity and spiritual health come to those who delight in, meditate on, and practice the ways of God.
Reflection Questions:
How do you typically view the commandments of God? Do you see them as rigid restrictions or as an invitation to true freedom?
Do you truly believe that staying within God’s boundaries leads to a more flourishing life? Why or why not?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, reshape my mindset toward Your commands. Help me see the beauty and value of meditating on Your Word. Give me the grace to live joyfully within the boundaries You have set, so that I may fully experience Your freedom and life. Amen
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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