The first four commandments are god-ward and the last six commandments are man-ward. We need to have a right relationship with God and also with others. The fundamental structure of civilization is the family. Many young people today have little respect for the authority of their parents. If they don’t have it in the family then they won’t have it for society.

1 – The Parents

There is more in being a parent than simply bringing forth children.

• A biological matter – You don’t get to choose your parents. The parents don’t get to choose their children.
• An emotional matter – Children are like tape recorders. They pick up what is going on in the house. You have to be careful. You have a diamond in the rough and you have an engraving machine to shape it.
• A spiritual matter – We need to serve the Lord in our house. We need to make sure our kids go to Church. They may not like it. They make not like school but they have to go. They need spiritual teaching as well.

2 – The Prescription

Honour your mother and your father. There is no choice. It is not just in the Old Testament. See Ephesians 6:1-3. You are not to talk back to your parents. Children are to obey, period. When parents discipline their children today they think they are the only ones. The world has changed. Why should your honour your mother and Father. It is the right thing to do. If you are disobedient then you are in danger of cutting your life short. See Colossians 3:20. Children are to honour their parents in all things. It is pleasing to the Lord and He will bless you. This is God’s prescription.

Children are to learn authority in the home. It is not the responsibility of the school, police or minister. The child has to be taught to obey this command. If you love your children you will discipline them. See Proverbs 13:24; 22:15 & 29:15. If you spare the rod then you hate your children. If you sin then God comes after you. You get a spanking from God. It is because God loves you. You can’t let your children run wild. There are some things that you can teach from the seat of the pants in the early years that will keep them from foolishness. The best parents can seem like the devil to their children. See Proverbs 19:17 & 23:15. You can discipline with control. It will not kill them. It is important that your children learn about authority when they are young. Here are some ways you can show honour to your children:-

• Love your children – Show your children that you love them. They need some affection.
• Lift your children – They need some encouragement. This is a disobedient world. You need to tell them the truth. They need to hear that you are proud of them. Kids get easily discouraged. You need to put your arms round the neck of your child.
• Limit your children. Kids actually like some rules. Eli failed to restrain his children.
• Lead your children. You have to show them by your example.
• Laugh with your children. You don’t have to be serious all the time. To have rules without relationship equals rebellion.

3 – The promise

The primary application of this commandment is to Israel. It also has application to young people. The young person who dishonours his parents is in danger of having his or her life snuffed out. You can have a long and honourable life if you honour your parents. You may have a child whom you think is too far gone. We need to pray to God that they don’t go to hell. Don’t give up. Remember the Prodigal Son. His Father was honourable and never stopped praying and ran to meet his son when he returned from his foolish ways.

Categories: Exodus