Ten

Here is a link to last week’s series, Ten.

As we have taken a closer look at the Ten Commandments it is easy to see how keeping them is one way believers honor God.

Those who truly love Him do not ever find them burdensome or irrelevant.

Do you think that statement is always true?

Well, there are times when it is costly to follow God’s commands.

But devoted believers cannot willingly want to disobey God’s commands, though we sometimes fail. (1 John 5:2)

But Jesus strengthens us with His promise kept when we honor God’s Word.

Do you remember these words from Jesus?

“…my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Believers know this statement is trustworthy. In this beloved promise we find strength.

Therefore, we can always keep His commands even when the cost is personally very great.

Take for instance the fifth commandment, which we will unpack today.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.”

Exodus 20:12

If you have had parents who, although imperfect, have managed to provide you with a steady foundation in a loving and secure home, then you have enjoyed a wonderful blessing. In that situation, honoring them even into their golden years is no burden.

But many people grow up in tumultuous home settings, not always due to abuse or neglect. Some children are born into homes with parents who provide the basics but little more.

Many struggle to recover from emotional wounds inflicted by parents who did not show love and tenderness. In these homes acceptance and kindness were absent.

When these self-consumed parents begin to age and need help from their children, whom they failed to nurture, what should the adult Christian child do?

If physical or psychological abuse is no threat, then the believing adult child must honor God by honoring these hard souls—their parent or parents.

They may need practical or spiritual help from a trusted counselor, doctor, pastor or friend.

Now, each story is going to look different. No one should ever make a judgment regarding believers in such a horrific situation. If this is not your story, do not meddle, and certainly do not gossip or judge.

But as fellow believers, if you know an adult child who is the caretaker of a difficult aging parent, pray for them and their parents. God’s healing and restoration can happen anytime even when we have lost hope.

Then, if you share a bond, offer either practical help or just a listening ear. No overbearing advice is warranted here. Just love and grace.

Go back to Matthew 11 and read those words from the Savior. The Holy Spirit can help you honor God in every part of your life, even the hardest parts.

For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.

Psalm 27:10

And most importantly, teach the fifth commandment to your own children. This is the very first commandment from God that comes with a blessing. (Exodus 20:12)

Ephesians 6 is a great passage for families to study together, too.

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

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