We are picking up our 10 Commandments series, under ‘Life’s Building Code’. The first four commandments focused on God and the worship of him. The final six centre on the treatment of other people, with the first speaking about family. It is the first commandment with a promise, as it calls for a heart posture of respect, gratitude and care toward parents, treating them with ‘weightiness’, rather than merely showing outward obedience. That brings up an interesting relationship. Why is it that respect for one’s parents equals longevity in Canaan? To put it simply, respect for one’s parents will equal respect for other authority figures as well. Obedience to parents in the ‘small things’, will inevitably translate to obedience to God. A child that doesn’t respect their parents won’t respect other sources of authority, such as school administrators and local police. Ultimately, they won’t respect God. Of all the things we can teach our children that will have long-lasting effects, respecting an authority outside of self is near the top of the list. It is critically important. But what does it mean to honour your father and your mother? What does this look like?

Preacher: Jim de Witte 

Passage: Exodus 20:1-17 

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