Today we are going to take a look at what the fifth commandment forbids. Failure to honour parents is the clearest thing that is forbidden here. Dishonouring the responsibilities and lawful commandments of parents is at the heart of what is forbidden in the fifth commandment. Let us address some of the stumbling blocks and sins that are associated with the fifth commandment.

Sin is serious intentional neglect of the things of God. Notice how the words “serious intentional neglect” spell the word, “sin” when we take the first letter from each word. We commit sin when we neglect the truth and commandments of the Lord. Let us not be guilty of neglecting our obedience to the rule of God and our parents. In order to keep this commandment we need to address three sins that are a stumbling block.

Pride is one such sin that must be dealt with. We cannot walk in obedience if we are prideful. If we think we are better than God or equal to our parents then we fall short of the commandment to obey. We must also put off all selfish desires and feelings. Self-seeking is the opposite of obedience. We must learn to respect the authority that God has given even if we disagree or don’t like it. Envy must also be addressed. If we are not content with the things God has given then how can we say we are walking in obedience.

Obedience does not come naturally to us. Due to our sinful nature, we have a desire to please ourselves and listen to the voice of our sinful hearts. However, we are called by the Holy Spirit to reject the things of the flesh and to obey the guidance and direction of the Spirit that dwells in us all as children of God. So, today let us seek the Lord and pray before him to make us more obedient to those who have the lawful authority over us. May we obey the lawful authority with joy. May children honour the authority of their parents. May young people listen to the advice of elders. May adults honour those who lawfully have rule over them such as their boss at work and the governing bodies of the land. A Christian who walks in obedience is a good example.