The Fourth Commandment

      Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Exodus 20:12, King James Version)

Oh, boy. I had it in my head all week that I was going to write about the 6^th commandment today. Then last night it dawned on me that it is Father’s Day today, so how could I pass up the 4^th commandment. (Let’s me off the hook for another week on that law about committing adultery.)

     Children, obey your parents as the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do. The command says, “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it— “Then everything will be well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3, New Century Version)

Back when I was a kid, and for many generations before that, children were much more apt to obey and respect their parents. If they didn’t, they knew what was going to happen. There was going to be a switch on their bottom, or some soap in their mouth, or at the very least, a time-out in the corner. In other words, treat your parents right and things will go good for you, and if not, there are consequences.

     Fathers, do not make your children angry, but raise them with the training and teaching of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4, New Century Version)

And yes, our parents who are over us have an obligation as well. But because we live in such a fallen world, not all mothers and fathers know how to parent. There are kids out there being bounced around the foster care system with very few examples of a loving caregiver.

It’s pretty sad the mess we’ve made of this world.

Which is why we need to put guidelines like the ten commandments back in our schools, courtrooms and other public places. Teach our children to respect adults, but maybe start with teaching our adults to love the little children.

     But Jesus called for the children, saying, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children. (Luke 18:16, New Century Version)

Let’s just teach everyone to get along. Oh, and also, remember when I started writing about the Ten Commandments the first of June. The first three were about how we show our love to God and the rest were about showing love to others. The Fourth one is a good place to start. Let’s love our parents or our aunts and uncles, grandparents, guardians, teachers, anyone who is in a place to care for us and love us back. Show a little love and honoring, and respecting and obeying will follow.

     Children, obey your parents in all things. This pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:20, International Children’s Bible)

Okay, last Sunday, I asked you to make an effort to go above and beyond in keeping the Fifth Commandment. How did that work out for you?

Today, your assignment is to do a little extra for those folks who have taken care of you, raised you, stood by you when you were falling. This should be easy, because it is Father’s Day after all. But if – like me – your parents and most of the other elders who were part of your childhood are no longer with you, find another older person who needs a smile, a hug or just a “thinking of you” card.   

     Listen to your father, who gave you life. And do not forget your mother when she is old. (Proverbs 23:22, International Children’s Bible)