Could vs Should

Fifty one years ago, I received a copy of the Ten Commandments (see photo). I was nine years old and, along with other children at my church, received it after memorizing all ten. The certificate is showing some wear. Some of the words are missing. The paper is aging. But the truth of those ten commands are as strong and helpful as they were in 1970.
My parents took us to church every week. Why? Because they knew it was important for us to learn about the shoulds in life. The things we should do, and by extension the things we should not do. And it all started with the clarity of the Ten Commandments. You can read them and the context in which they were delivered for us in Exodus, Chapter 20. I would like to say that I have kept all ten throughout my life. But that is not true. Honestly, none of us can say we haven’t been tripped up on one or more of them from time to time. The important thing is that we try to follow them, even though we know we will fail sometimes.
Looking at this small piece of paper got me to thinking. In our world today, we hear a lot about what we can do, but very little of what we should do. In our culture of achievement at all costs, the focus is on ‘you can do it.’ Or ‘if you can dream it, you can do it.’ The message is one that is more destructive than people realize. Let me explain.
First, the you-can-do-it attitude seems like a great way to be encouraging. But underneath is an unspoken message that failure is not an option. From an early age, we are teaching children that achievement is the only measure of success. To not achieve great things is failure. To be mundane or ordinary is not enough. Is it any wonder that depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are dramatically rising in our young people today?
Secondly, this attitude enforces a societal value of achievement over character. Materialism over integrity. We see this in what we value as a society. Athletes and performers are idolized. Memorable experiences are sought instead of ways to serve others. And good parents getting involved in their children’s lives are called potential domestic terrorists. Really? We have come to this?
Science is not exempt from the could vs should phenomenon. I recently learned that medical science is approaching the capability of altering parts of our DNA in order to eliminate some strands that cause diseases. Sounds good on the surface, but should we be doing this? Where will it end? Some labs are promoting the ability to change the color of our children’s eyes and hair while still in the womb. What other changes might be on the horizon? And do we really want to go down the path of altering our bodies at the molecular level. Some think we already have with the RNA-based injections that claim to stop the latest global virus. I will leave that argument to others.
In thinking about materialism over integrity, I can buy that new car or truck for $60 thousand dollars, but should I? I can buy a bigger house that is more than I need. Should I really tie up that much of my resources in an impressive home? I can have cable television and a host of online subscription services so anything I want on my screens is at my fingertips. But is that really how I want to fill up the moments of my life? With an endless stream of images that stimulate my senses while dulling my intellect?
The question remains. Just because we can do something, does that mean we should? For me, I go back to that small piece of paper I received when I was nine years old. In it, I find all I need to discover the shoulds for life. And those shoulds keep me focused on what is important and what matters. I think they will for you as well.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mathew 6: 19-21