Parents are God’s Representatives

A Word of Truth #114  

Parents, teachers, employers, and the government are the authority figures about whom many like to complain, and against whom they may rebel.

Those who are placed over us are sinners like we are and do not always act wisely nor make the best decisions. While there is room for disagreement, there is never an allowance for dishonor. In His law, God commands: “You shall honor your father and mother.” “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.” “Servants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh…”

Whether it is parents, government, or others who are placed in authority over us, they are, God says, His representatives on earth. Are we dishonoring them by what we say and how we act? Would we dare to do or say those same things directly to God? Certainly not! Neither should we act in that way toward His representatives, but rather give them honor.

Human Life is a Sacred Gift from God

A Word of Truth #115  

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These words of our Declaration of Independence reflect a biblical foundation, which stresses the importance of God’s gift of life—the first unalienable right cited by our founding fathers.

The Bible clearly states that God “gives to all life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25). God also protects human life by commanding us not to murder, that is to take someone’s life unlawfully (cf. Exodus 20:13). It is vital in our day that we continue to recognize that life is an unalienable right, because it is a sacred gift from God. This is true whether we are talking about the unborn, the fit and healthy, or the weak and disabled—human life is to be treasured!