The Ten Words that order our lives

At Mount Sinai, God gave Israel many laws, but He personally wrote ten. The first four calibrate our relationship with God; the final six shape our relationships with people. In short: love God first, then love others (Exodus 20). That framework still anchors disciples in North Dallas, Collin County, and Dallas County—from Plano, Garland, and Richardson to Allen, McKinney, Wylie, and beyond.

What the “don’ts” are really about

We tend to assume we’re doing fine with the “big ones,” but Jesus presses past behavior to the heart.

“Do not murder” includes anger, contempt, and unreconciled conflict

Most haven’t taken a life, but Jesus equates unresolved anger and demeaning words with the seed of murder. His remedy is worship-through-reconciliation: if you remember a grievance, go make it right, then return to the altar (Matthew 5). In North Cities language: don’t just attend church—protect your relationships.

“Do not steal” calls us to trust and generosity

Stealing isn’t only shoplifting—it’s any act that withholds what belongs to God or others. Jesus frames theft as a trust issue: do I believe the Father will provide? Pastor Hargrove testified about seasons of tight finances and the temptation to “hold back.” God’s call is faithful tithes and offerings, open-handedness, and confidence that “my Father has it… every single time.”

“No other gods” unmasks modern idols

We’re not melting golden calves at the base of a mountain, but we do clutch glowing ones in our hands. Phones, hobbies, sports, money, status, relationships—good gifts can creep into God’s seat. The command remains: seek first the Kingdom; let everything else take its rightful, secondary place (Matthew 6:33).

“Do not worry” (yes, worry can become an idol)

Jesus says, “Take no thought” about food, clothing, or tomorrow’s unknowns (Matthew 6:25–34). Worry is a functional worship problem—it magnifies needs and minimizes God. The invitation for every household across North Dallas, Plano, Garland, Richardson, Allen, McKinney is to trade anxiety for Kingdom-first living and watch the Father “add all these things.”

“Don’t be surprised by the fire”

Peter writes, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial” (1 Peter 4:12–13). Suffering isn’t evidence that God is absent; it’s often proof that you’re sharing Christ’s road and soon His joy. When trials hit—medical, financial, relational—lift your eyes from the heat to the Helper.

The one “do” that aligns everything else

Seek first the Kingdom of God—and everything else will find its place.

Jesus’ single, sweeping do orders all the don’ts: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Put God first in your worship, schedule, budget, and relationships. You’ll become the salt and light your street, school, and workplace need across Collin County and Dallas County.

A simple rule of life for this week

• Love God first: daily prayer, Scripture, gathered worship.

• Love people well: reconcile quickly, speak life, give generously.

• Refuse idols: audit your time, attention, and affections.

• Replace worry with worship: name the need, seek the Kingdom, trust the Father.

When we live the do’s and don’ts through the heart of Jesus, the commandments stop feeling like stone—and start sounding like freedom.