Show 169: The 4th Commandment of God

In the Fourth Commandment God enjoins upon us to honor His representatives upon earth, that is to say, our parents, and both the ecclesiastical and secular authorities.

OUR DUTY TOWARDS OUR PARENTS

Our parents are to be honored, because they are God's repre sentatives and our greatest benefactors.
We ought to honor our parents by respectful behavior, love, and obedience.
Our duty is the same in regard to those who are in authority over us, as it is to our parents; our teachers and governors, masters and employers, and our elders in general.

Transgressions of the Fourth Commandment

He transgresses the Fourth Commandment of God who is disrespectful towards his parents; who behaves rudely to them, is ashamed of them, etc.

How Does God Reward the Observance of the Fourth Command ment?

God promises long life, happiness, and blessings upon earth to children who honor their parents.
God threatens to send upon those who do not honor their parents shame upon earth, a miserable end, everlasting damnation.

OUR DUTY TOWARDS THOSE IN AUTHORITY

God has appointed two powers, the spiritual and the secular, for the direction of human society. To the spiritual power He has committed the guidance of souls, to the secular the main tenance of peace and order.
The highest spiritual authority was given by God to the Pope, the highest secular authority to the monarch of the land; in most countries the people have a share in the secular govern ment.
Our duties towards Pope and king are similar to our duties towards God, for they are both His representatives.
He who grossly offends against either the ecclesiastical or secular authorities has to expect the severe chastisement of God on earth, and punishment in the world to come.

THE DUTIES OF THOSE WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY.

The Christian ought not to strive after a position of au thority which he is not competent to fil
He who is called by God to fill some post of authority, must not on that account think much of himself, but rather consider the responsibility laid on him.
Those who rule others ought to promote as far as possible the welfare of their subjects, and treat them with impartiality and justice.
Those who are in high places ought to set a good example.

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