Ten Commandments

God’s Top Ten

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
TV host standing next to a screen showing a humorous top ten list about cats
A TV host presents a funny top ten list about why his cat is smarter than a boss, generated via AI.

A lot of people may think that Dave Letterman was the originator of “Top Ten” lists. Truth is, he wasn’t. God wrote his at least a couple of thousand years earlier. Below is the original list with a modern translation.

1. “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)

Put ultimate trust in what is truly worthy.
Don’t let money, politics, celebrity culture, or your own ego become the thing you revolve your life around.

2. “You shall not make for yourself an idol.” (Exodus 20:4)

Don’t worship what you created.
Technology, brands, influencers, and institutions are tools — not deities. Don’t let them define your identity.

3. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord.” (Exodus 20:7)

Use sacred things with respect.
Don’t weaponize faith, truth, or moral language to manipulate, shame, or score points.

4. “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Protect real rest.
Unplug. Stop grinding. Let your mind and body breathe. Rest isn’t laziness — it’s obedience to your design.

5. “Honor your father and mother.” (Exodus 20:12)

Honor the people who raised, taught, or supported you.
Show gratitude. Break cycles of bitterness. Build relationships that heal rather than repeat harm.

6. “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)

Protect life and dignity.
Reject violence, cruelty, and dehumanization — in speech, in systems, and in action.

7. “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)

Be faithful to your commitments.
Whether in marriage, partnership, or community, treat trust as sacred and intimacy as something not to be exploited.

8. “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)

Respect what belongs to others.
Not just possessions — but ideas, labor, credit, boundaries, and time.

9. “You shall not bear false witness.” (Exodus 20:16)

Tell the truth, especially when it’s inconvenient.
Don’t distort, exaggerate, or spread misinformation. Integrity matters more than winning.

10. “You shall not covet.” (Exodus 20:17)

Celebrate others without resenting them.
Comparison is a thief. Gratitude is freedom. Want less, appreciate more.

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

God’s Name in Vain

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Exo. 20:7 (NKJV)

Not to use God’s name in vain is one of the Ten Commandments. But have you ever stopped and wondered, “Why?” I hadn’t either. Then, the other day, out of the blue, I believe I got a download via the Holy Spirit as to why.

I used to ride a commuter train in and out of Chicago. If you take it as long as I did, twenty-four years, you will wind up encountering all types of individuals. I was always tempted to write a sitcom based on four friends who commuted together, but it seemed a lot like the hit show, “Friends.”

One day, I came across a lady who used God’s name in vain a lot! I mean all the time. Once, it was just me and her in the vestibule. She did it again, and I said to her, “You know, you using God’s name in vain is so offensive to me. He is my heavenly Father. Why don’t you use your father’s name in vain, instead?” She thought about it for a moment and then said, “I never thought of it that way. I’m sorry.” I don’t know if she quit because I didn’t see her after that.

Because of the greatness of the name of God, any use of God’s name that brings dishonor on Him or on His character is taking His name in vain.

Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Mat. 6:9 (AMPC)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Prov. 18:10 (ESV)

“Don’t swear falsely using my name, violating the name of your God. I am God. Lev. 19:12 (MSG)

No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name. Deut. 5:11 (MSG)

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [a]His holy name. Ps. 30:4 (NKJV)

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13 (NKJV)

So is the name of Jesus. His name can do the impossible. It can heal, it can provide for your needs, restore relationships, and, best of all, transform a life.

I could be wrong, but I feel the reason God doesn’t want us to use his name in vain is because it is “wasting it,” if you will. Like his name should be spoken for good. He’s good. Not because you are angry. So, think about it the next time you are tempted to waste God’s name. Misusing it is just downright rude.

If you have used his name wrong in the past, you can ask for forgiveness, and He will do that. Forgive you for the offense and for all the other ones, too.

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady  All Rights Reserved