People have traditionally regarded the Ten Commandments as ten restrictions on what they are allowed to do.
But it is possible to look at them from a different perspective: as ten freedoms that will naturally result from following God's way of life.
My son, keep your father’s commandment; Do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Tie them over your heart always; Bind them around your throat.
When you walk it will lead you; When you lie down it will watch over you; And when you are awake it will talk with you.
For the commandment is a lamp, The teaching is a light, And the way to life is the rebuke that disciplines.
— Proverbs 6:20–23
In fact, James 1:25 and 2:12 actually refer to the Ten Commandments as
the perfect law of liberty
or the perfect law that sets you free
.
Having God's spirit as a guide makes life's choices easy. For anything significant, fear of doing the wrong thing won't be a factor. God isn't saying "Don't do this!", he's saying "A natural consequence of following me is that you won't do this.".
The world has many gods, in many forms, with many powers. But if you follow the Lord, the only god you need to know, you shall be free of the influence of all other spiritual powers, real or imaginary. You'll be free of fear of all other gods and supernatural beings.
People attribute magical and spiritual powers to physical objects and ritual behaviour. Following God's way means that if you accept God as the direct source of all power, you shall be freed from any other magical powers, real or imaginary. You'll be free of fear of, and have no need for, any supernatural objects or rituals.
Following God's way means that you will be sincere whenever you call on him, knowing that God will listen to you. You'll be free of fear that your requests to God will be in vain.
Following God's way means that he grants you one day a week, reserved for your physical rest and spiritual needs. On the sabbath, you'll be freed from mundane labour.
Following God's way means letting your life be an example for others, creating honour and respect for your family name. You'll be free of any fear that your behaviour will bring dishonour to your parents and family.
Following God's way means tolerating other people's faults and behaviours, knowing that it is for God, not you, to judge them. You will never hate anyone, much less want to hurt or kill them. You'll be free of mental poisons such as hatred and vengeance.
Following God's way means experiencing a loving and faithful relationship with your family. You'll be free of temptation to be unfaithful.
Following God's way means having what you want, and wanting what you have. You'll be free of desire for what is not rightfully yours.
Following God's way means respecting other people, never having any motive to hurt them. You'll be free of any desire to use your words to hurt someone else.
Following God's way means accepting what you have and not desiring what others have, even if they appear not to deserve it. You'll be free of resentment of other people for what they have.