Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today
Relevance for the Church, Culture Wars, Law vs. Grace, and Christian Discipleship
This chapter focuses on the Fifth Commandment — “Honour your father and your mother” (Exod. 20:12) — and its application for family, authority, and generational relationships in contemporary Christian life.
1. Introduction
The Fifth Commandment establishes the foundation for family and social order:
“Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
— Exodus 20:12 (NRSV)
Honouring parents goes beyond mere obedience; it encompasses respect, care, and loyalty, and has implications for how society cultivates intergenerational harmony. Kingdom ethics extend this principle to modern family dynamics, workplace hierarchies, and the broader Church community.
2. Historical and Cultural Context
2.1. Ancient Israel
- Family was the primary social unit; obedience to parents ensured social cohesion
- Honour implied respect, provision, and protection for elders (Deut. 5:16; Lev. 19:32)
- Covenant blessings were tied to family loyalty (Eph. 6:2–3 references Exod. 20:12)
2.2. Authority and Covenant
Honouring parents reflected a broader principle: recognising God-given authority. Parents acted as moral and spiritual guides, shaping children’s understanding of God and community.
3. Jesus and the Commandment
Jesus affirmed the Fifth Commandment while challenging cultural misuse of authority:
“You shall honour your father and mother; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If anyone says to father or mother, “Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban (a gift to God),”’ you no longer let them do anything for their parents.”
— Mark 7:10–12
Kingdom ethics emphasise genuine care and moral responsibility, not empty ritual or manipulation.
4. Honouring Parents in Contemporary Society
4.1. Family Structures
Modern families face challenges:
- Divorce and blended households
- Generational tensions due to cultural and technological shifts
- Elderly care in ageing populations
Kingdom discipleship requires respect and support, even amidst disagreements (Eph. 6:2–3; Col. 3:20).
4.2. Authority Beyond the Home
The principle of honour extends to:
- Employers and leaders (Rom. 13:1–2)
- Church elders and mentors (Heb. 13:17)
- Society’s institutions that align with God’s justice
5. Kingdom Ethics in Generational Conflict
Kingdom living calls believers to:
- Bridge gaps between generations with patience and understanding
- Reject rebellion and entitlement as cultural norms
- Model respect in households, schools, workplaces, and communities
The Spirit empowers this obedience, fostering humility, love, and reconciliation (Gal. 5:22–23).
6. Practical Applications
6.1. Within the Family
- Honour parents with words and actions, even in disagreement
- Support parents in physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
- Pray for parents and model Godly character to children
6.2. Broader Community
- Extend respect to elders and mentors
- Advocate for policies that protect and honour the vulnerable
- Recognise that societal stability is rooted in familial and generational care
7. Conclusion
Honouring parents remains a cornerstone of Kingdom ethics. It reflects:
- Respect for God-given authority
- Love and care across generations
- Faithful witness in family and society
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Honour your father and mother—this is the first commandment with a promise.”
— Colossians 3:20–21
Kingdom discipleship calls Christians to uphold this commandment in words, deeds, and relational integrity, modelling God’s care across generations.