For some people, “values” and “commandments” are buzz words. Some think of “values” as a personal lifestyle choice with no more significance than a personal preference. Others think of biblical commandments as how-to rules for “my” personal salvation straight from the mouth of God.

Both perspectives fail to appreciate the importance of the Ten Commandments.

Personal faith expresses trust in God’s purpose. The Ten Commandments express God’s intention for nurturing health among people who share life in a covenant community. The Root Values that give rise to the Ten Commandments are not “life-style” choices. Nor are they strict rules upon which ones eternal destiny depends.

Rather they are values that when freely embraced by faith, lead to the flowering of healthy people who share the blessing of living together in a healthy community. In relationship with Jesus, we are drawn into a covenantal relationship with each other. The Five Root Values help us to enjoy the blessing God has promised for humanity from before the foundation of the world.