by Debbie Wicker BCCC
A Lifeline in a Chaotic Childhood
My childhood was chaotic and abusive. But during that painful season, the Ten Commandments became a source of light and structure in my life. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was eight years old, and around that same time, I received a Ten Commandments bracelet.
Even at such a young age, I understood the meaning of the commandments and did my best to follow them. They became a lifesaver, offering me the ethics, boundaries, and truth that my home life lacked. Over the years, they have become deeply personal to me. I’ve spent my life studying them and trying to live by them in truth.
Timeless Wisdom for Every Generation
The Ten Commandments are a succinct list of what is good for us and what is not. They were relevant at Mount Sinai nearly 3,500 years ago—and they are still completely relevant today. They taught me how to live well through a simple set of rules. While I haven’t always succeeded in following them, I have always known they help me discern right from wrong.
My Father’s Beliefs vs. God’s Truth
My father was an atheist. He didn’t believe in right or wrong. His philosophy was simple: If you can get away with it, it’s okay. He schemed constantly to make money, deceived others, and was repeatedly unfaithful to my mother—all without remorse.
He believed stealing was only wrong if it was done to him. He declared bankruptcy multiple times and died penniless.
Yet, I knew—because of the commandments—that I was still called to honor my father. But I also knew I could never trust him. Without the guidance of the Ten Commandments, I would have had no moral compass in such a confusing environment.
I needed the commandments to help me make sense of life in truth.
Seeking Truth: What’s Good for Us and What Isn’t
As a child, I learned that my father’s beliefs were not only wrong—they were deeply damaging. I also learned that the Ten Commandments were a divine remedy for the destruction caused by his choices.
- Loving God is good for us.
- Worshiping false idols is not.
- Using God’s name to justify our behavior harms us.
- Resting and focusing on God’s holiness each week is life-giving.
- Honoring our mother and father, regardless of their behavior, is good for our souls.
- Murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting are all destructive.
Avoiding these sins helps us live in truth rather than justifying what we know deep down is harmful.
We All Break the Commandments—But There’s Grace
The Bible teaches us that no one is perfect. We all fall short. But there is hope:
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 3:20–24)
Jesus knows we are not capable of perfect obedience. That’s why He went to the cross—to sacrifice Himself for our sins. Trying to follow the commandments draws us closer to Him, helps us understand our need for grace, and reveals a better way to live.
I watched my father reject God’s commands—and I watched it lead to misery. In contrast, embracing God’s commandments has allowed me to walk in freedom, healing, and redemption.
The Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6–21)
6 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
7 “You shall have no other gods before me.
8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them…
11 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God…
12 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…
16 “Honor your father and your mother…
17 “You shall not murder.
18 “You shall not commit adultery.
19 “You shall not steal.
20 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
21 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife… or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Final Thoughts: Living in Truth
In a world full of noise and confusion, the Ten Commandments are still a beacon of clarity and truth. They don’t just tell us what not to do—they point us toward God’s best for our lives.
When we fall short, Jesus offers forgiveness and grace. And when we seek to follow God’s ways, He leads us into freedom, peace, and truth.
🌍 Living Well in a Fallen and Evil World
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About the Author
Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.
Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.