10 Commandments in 8 Minutes

I had the opportunity to explain the 10 commandments to 150 five to nine year old children. I had 8 minutes to accomplish this task.

We always have to teach with the end in mind… so what do I want these children to walk away with. I have 48 seconds per commandment to give them something of the truth of God that can shape them after His heart. I do not want it to sound like ten things you have to check off the list to get to heaven. And I do not have time to talk about Jesus fulfilling the Law so that we can live under grace. So I came to a question… What about God's heart is revealed in the Law? God has never changed. So what is He telling us?

Here is my stab at hearing the truth of God in the 10 Commandments.

#1 "You shall have no other gods before me."
I am valuable enough to be the most important thing in your life.

#2 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments."
I desire you with jealousy and one day you will desire me the same way.

#3 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."
I am that I am. I can not be limited by careless language.

#4 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
You will cast your cares upon me and trust me to provide for you.

#5 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
My wisdom will pass from generation to generation as my people come to know me.

#6 "You shall not murder."
You will see my creation as I do… precious.

#7 "You shall not commit adultery."
I am a faithful God who inspires a faithful people.

#8 "You shall not steal."
You will live transparent and honorable lives among each other.

#9 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
I am Truth. When you are with me, you will have truth.

#10 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Your life will not be about what you think you deserve. You will find joy in what you have.

I do not want to misrepresent God. Is this is a fair way to present the gospel in the ten commandments?