Honor your father and mother: Dt 5:16

"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you." (Deuteronomy 5:16)

Recently our local library called and informed me know that the book placed on reserve by one of my children was now available to be checked out. However, when I asked what the book was, the librarian responded that she could not tell me because it would violate my child's right to privacy. I was shocked and a little outraged that the state (in this case, a state run library) would interfere with my parental rights and interject themselves into the relationship between my self and my child. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated example. There are an increasing number of examples across my country where the government is asserting its influences over the family. Take for example the state run schools that give contraceptives to students without parental consent or acknowledgment.

There are three primary institutions that are common to all mankind: the church, the state, and the family. Each institution has its own set of responsibilities and boundaries which it should not cross. Governments must be careful not to interfere with families, rather they should seek to establish laws and policies that strengthen and support the family. In many ways, the strength of a nation is measured by the strength of its families. Some have said that it takes a village to raise a child, but in reality, it only takes a family. It is not the government's job to raise our children, it is our job; it is the job of parents.

Paul reminds us that this commandment is special to God. "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise )." (Ephesians 6:2) The promise is that it would go well with us and we would live long in the land. If we desire our nation to be blessed and to prospoer, then it is critically important that our families are strong and healthy. When a government interfears with the family, it weakens the nation and limits the blessing of God, but when a government supports and strengthens the family, it creates and environment that can lead to greater blessing and prosperity from God.

David Robison

Technorati Tags: Book of Deuteronomy, Foundations of Governance, Ten Commandments, Family, The Robe, David Robison

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