LD 39 - You Can Be Freed from Rebellion

Most children have happy plans for their future. Kids dream of a good life and expect it to happen. And that desire is right. Sadly, many children are not taught how to truly live well.

The fifth commandment—"Honor your father and your mother" (Ex. 20:12)—promises a good life (Eph. 6:2). The law's second table starts with a practical code "that leads us to the right perspective on values, responsibility, respect, and honor in all kinds of relationships." Put negatively, rebellious children can expect lifelong power struggles, ultimately against God himself.

And this code isn't just for children; no matter our age we must respect "all those in authority" over us. Our relation to authorities matters because God establishes authorities (Rom. 13:1, 2), empowers authorities (John 19:11), rules over authorities (Eph. 6:9), and rules through authorities (Is. 44:28). How we relate to leadership reveals our relationship to God (Col. 3:22). This is why God's stance against rebels is so stern (Ex. 21:17; Num. 12:1–9; Rom. 13:4). God applies this commandment to children so that they would start young learning to submit to every kind of legitimate oversight. But it is never too late to begin enjoying a blessed life through obedience to God and his structure of authority.