"Honor your father and mother." "Children obey your parents. . . ." So says the fifth of the Ten Commandments and its New Testament parallel (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1) In the Decalogue this command is the bridge between the portion of the law, 1-4, that primarily speaks to our relationship with God, and 6-9, which speaks about how we ought to get along with other people.
This command fits in this critical juncture
because parents are God's representatives in the family. Parents are responsible to lead, teach, and provide. Children are to be obedient and submit to the leadership of their parents.
Yes, I know there are incompetent--even abusive--parents, but let's leave that aside for a moment. Every child that is mistreated is a tragedy, but a far greater, sadder story is that so many parents have abdicated their responsibility to lead, and our culture is telling so many kids they don't have to listen.
As God's people we have an incredible opportunity to display the ten commandments in a very attractive way. When our world sees children who accept the leadership of their parents, honor and obey them; and when those who watch see parents who love their kids and show that love by exercising appropriate leadership, they will take notice.
Stay tuned.
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