Meditation: Honouring God Through Authority and Love
The fifth commandment calls us to "honour your father and your mother," but its scope extends beyond our earthly parents. It invites us to respect and submit to the God-ordained authorities in every sphere of life: family, work, church, and government. This commandment reminds us that obedience and honour are not simply duties—they are acts of worship to our heavenly Father.
Family: A Reflection of Christ’s Love
"...submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord... Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 5:21-22; 6:1, ESV)
In the family, God establishes a model of love, respect, and nurture. Parents are called to guide their children in the Lord, while children are to honour and obey their parents. This mutual love and submission reflect Christ’s love for his church. Take time today to thank God for your family and ask for his grace to fulfil your role with joy and humility.
Work: Serving Christ in All We Do
"Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ... knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free." (Ephesians 6:5-8, ESV)
At work, whether as employer or employee, we are called to serve with integrity and respect. When we honour our workplace authorities, we are ultimately serving Christ. Consider your work today—are you giving it your best, not as people-pleasers, but as one seeking to please the Lord? Ask God for strength to serve faithfully and joyfully.
Church: Submitting to Spiritual Leaders
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
In the Church, God provides leaders to shepherd His people. Honouring these leaders by respecting their teaching, praying for them, and following their godly example is a way to honour God himself. Reflect on how you can encourage your church leaders today. How can you show them gratitude and support as they labour for your spiritual growth?
How are you who are called to be leaders leading the congregation with the love of a good shepherd?
Government: Respecting Authority as God’s Servant
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
God has established earthly governments to promote order and justice. Submitting to laws and honouring those in authority is part of our obedience to God. Yet, when governments command what God forbids or forbid what God commands, we must, like Peter, declare, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, ESV). Pray for wisdom to navigate this tension and for leaders who will uphold righteousness.
Limits: Obedience to God Above All
While honouring authority is central to the fifth commandment, it has limits. When human authority conflicts with God’s commands, our allegiance must remain with Him. The apostles modelled this when they proclaimed Christ despite being forbidden to do so by the authorities (Acts 4:18-19). Let us pray for courage to stand firm in our faith, even when obedience to God costs us.
Thank the Lord for the order he has established in our world through family, work, church, and government. Honour the authorities he has placed in our lives, not out of fear, but as an act of love and reverence for God. Strive to discern when to submit and when to stand firm for the truth. May we always glorify God through our obedience and honour.
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Based on a lesson given to the Karen Zoom class, June 10, 2021.
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