Ten Core Values for the Christian life (5)

In this new blog series, I have summarized the Ten Commandments (and the subsequent books I wrote) in what I like to call the ‘Ten Core Values’ of a dedicated and fruitful Christian life.

👉No longer is the emphasis on dos and don’ts but on what a life, led by the Holy Spirit, could be like.

So far, we've seen that loyalty towards God, a lifestyle of worship, seeking His presence, and sabbats rest are basic values every believer should live by.

Let's continue with the fifth commandment:  Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12).

‘Honor your father and your mother,’ is a biblical command that has been regarded as wonderful by some and as awful by others. Wonderful for those who grew up in loving households with caring parents. Awful, for those who were mistreated, abandoned, or even abused.

In my book 'Respectfully Yours' I have looked at this commandment from a New Testament perspective, from a grace-perspective if you like. I have purposely used the words of the apostle Paul, who was familiar with both law and grace, as can be read in Ephesians 6:1-4,

Children, it is your Christian duty to[a] obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. “Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added: “so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land." Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.

He recites the fifth commandment and the promise of well-being and a long life. He furthermore adds a call for parents to treat their children well and to raise them according to biblical principles. Respect should be mutual.

👉The core value I have attached to the fifth commandment is RESPECT.

We show respect to our parents, children, and God and at the same time, we are deserving of respect, which will provide us with a long and healthy life.

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For more on this topic, read my book 'Respectfully Yours' (Revealing God's truth about well-being and a long life). The revised edition will soon be available on Amazon in your country.