Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. – Exodus 20:12
THE IMPORTANCE OF A CULTURE OF HONOR
The first commandment in the Decalogue that comes with a promise is to honor your father and mother. This promise, originally given to the Old Testament Israelites, assured them that if they adhered to this command, their days would be prolonged in the land the Lord had given them. While this was specifically spoken to the Israelites regarding their covenant inheritance, the principle carries a broader spiritual truth: any society that upholds a culture of honor, rooted in God’s law, will generally experience stability and longevity.
This principle is as true today as it was in ancient times. A nation cannot thrive without a culture of honor. When children are incentivized to disobey their parents, societal hierarchy begins to disintegrate, leading to moral chaos, political instability, and geopolitical vulnerability. We are witnessing the results of this breakdown in our own nation, where generations of children have not been taught to honor their parents, elders, or any authority. The resulting compromise of the family structure has sent adverse ripples through education, vocation, military, government, and every other facet of society. We are raising a generation of coddled, ego-sensitive narcissists who cannot receive orders, follow commands, or defend any cause greater than themselves. God help us in the days ahead.
THE NEED FOR A CULTURE OF HONOR
As daunting as this may seem, Christians can and must be part of the solution. But that solution goes beyond merely pulling our children out of public schools, homesteading, and drinking raw milk. The Westminster Larger Catechism rightly deduces that the command to “honor your father and mother” extends to all rightful and lawful authorities that God has placed in our lives. Yes, children must obey their parents, but adults must also honor their bosses, congregants must honor pastors, and citizens must honor governors. A culture of honor and respect for authority must permeate every level of society, for when it does, it preserves a nation and lengthens its lifespan. Conversely, when such a culture is lost, societal division and decay are inevitable.
If we desire to see American society redeemed and transformed into a Christian nation once more, we must “build it,” like Ray Kinsella, and pray that the spirit of honor “will come.”
THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM
To achieve this, we must embrace the mantle of leadership not only within our churches but also in the broader culture. We must move beyond the gnostic tendencies that have crept into Christendom, which suggest our only work is in the spiritual realm. Christians must re-engage with the public square, reclaim leadership in the public sector, and once again become thought leaders, inventors, CEOs, and politicians. While this calling is not for every Christian, it is a necessary pursuit for some.
Consider the absurdity of retreating from culture and expecting it not to decay. How can we assume that unregenerate men will take up the reins we have abandoned and provide Christocentric leadership that heals our land? Expecting the darkness to act as if it had the light is as foolish as waiting for a blind man to paint the next Mona Lisa. If we desire true transformation in our land, we cannot leave the leadership of this world to the morally blind, spiritually deaf, and ethically mute.
As Christians have retreated from institutions of leadership, the vacuum has been filled by sinful men. Here are a few examples: As we abandoned politics, the presidency has been handed over to greedy, narcissistic men leading our country into disaster. As we left the halls of power, they were occupied by bought-and-paid-for degenerates who vote according to who offers the biggest payday rather than according to the Word of God. The courts have become corrupted by men of compromise, college campuses have been overrun by irrational materialists, and corporate boardrooms are now occupied by spineless ideologues who promote insanity, like bikinis with a penis pocket. Most critically, as we have abandoned leadership in the home to government-run schools, babysitters, and daycares, our nation’s moral fabric has rotted in just a few generations, leaving us on moral life support.
THE SOLUTION TO A NATION IN CRISIS
But we are not without hope. If we simply change our level of involvement, we can begin to see improvement. Instead of fleeing from leadership, Christians should embrace it. Why? Because while common grace enables even non-believers to contribute to societal good, Christians, uniquely equipped by the Holy Spirit and guided by Scripture, bring a God-centered approach to leadership. When we step into the public square as Spirit-indwelled believers, we come as walking temples that house the presence of Almighty God. As we work hard, create excellent products, and demonstrate godly wisdom, we let the light of Christ shine in areas of life that have been devoid of a Gospel witness for far too long.
But what about those Christians who pursue leadership for selfish gain? They must repent and act like Christians! The problem of a few undisciplined Christians should not deter us from the discipline of leadership. On the contrary, we should strive all the more to become godly and righteous leaders, so the light of Christ shines brightly at the top of companies, counties, and countries, providing the world with a clear picture of Jesus rather than the caricatures they often receive.
The Westminster Larger Catechism offers a paradigm for how this can happen, stating: “Superiors are… to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.”
When we speak of “superiors,” we refer to anyone in a position of authority or leadership. “Inferiors” are those in a position of following, including children under parents, employees under employers, congregants under church leaders, and, within the family, wives under husbands. It is not only the responsibility of the child to obey the parent but also the responsibility of the parent to exercise holy and righteous leadership. It is not only for the employee to honor his boss but for the company president to rule with integrity and Christ-like morality. Only Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can grow into this kind of leadership, and such leadership is desperately needed in our time.
The catechism assumes that Christians will step into leadership roles. Since there will always be superiors guiding inferiors, the goal of Christian maturity is to grow out of childlike ways and into Christian leadership. Out of love for Christ and to the glory of God, we are called to strive for leadership positions in the world, instructing, guiding, and nurturing those who do not know Him, thereby creating a culture where even pagans will thrive. If we desire a godly culture, we must build it, teach it, and disciple it.
This responsibility goes beyond mere instruction to imparting the knowledge of God through our verbal witness and Christ-like living. We are the ones who get the privilege of modeling Christ to those who have never seen Him and glorifying God in front of those who do not perceive Him. Just as parents teach their children to navigate life’s challenges, preparing them to live according to a prescribed manner, Christians must guide those under their charge—both Christian and pagan—to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in a way that honors God. We must create a culture where even atheists recoil at the thought of chemically roasting an infant in the womb, where the influence of the Church is so pervasive that when homosexuality is abolished and outlawed, unbelievers will cheer.
BUILDING A GODLY CULTURE
How can this be done? The Westminster Larger Catechism provides at least two starting points:
1. Expressing Love and Tenderness
Leadership, at its core, is not about authority or titles but about influence shaped by Christlike character. True leaders model the love and tenderness of Christ, demonstrating sincere care for the well-being of others. This is not merely passive kindness but active engagement with the needs, struggles, and burdens of those around us. As Christians, we are uniquely equipped to reflect the compassionate heart of our Heavenly Father, who is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness” (Psalm 103:8). By embodying these qualities, we do more than improve individual lives—we begin the profound work of rebuilding a culture fragmented by godless ideologies. Leadership rooted in Christ stands in stark contrast to the cold, utilitarian approaches that have left society hollow. Through such leadership, we can restore the very fabric of our communities and ultimately guide our culture back to a foundation that honors God.
2. Inspiring Willingness and Cheerfulness
When leaders express love and tenderness, they do more than fulfill their duties—they inspire others to rise to the occasion with willing and cheerful hearts. Godly leadership creates an environment where people are motivated not by fear or obligation but by a shared sense of purpose and joy. In every sphere—whether in the home, workplace, or church—leaders who are genuinely invested in those they lead cultivate a culture of enthusiasm, dedication, and excellence. This isn’t about merely getting tasks done; it’s about inspiring others to embrace their roles with a sense of calling and joy. When Christians lead in this way, we not only fulfill our own responsibilities but also empower others to fulfill theirs in a manner that glorifies God. This kind of leadership is transformative, creating communities where Christ is not only seen but experienced, leading to a broader cultural renewal that touches even the hearts of unbelievers. While this doesn’t mean salvation for them, it does mean that unbelievers will recognize that God is at work among His people, a concept deeply rooted in Scripture (1 Peter 2:12).
But this transformative leadership is not something we can merely admire from a distance—it demands action, reflection, and, where necessary, repentance. If we are to lead as Christ did, we must first examine our hearts and lives to ensure we live up to this high calling.
A CALL TO REPENTANCE
As we stand on the brink of a culture in desperate need of godly leadership, we must first look inward and ask: Are we embodying the leadership qualities Christ has called us to? Have we truly embraced our leadership roles, or have we allowed fear, complacency, or worldly distractions to sideline us? The time for passive Christianity is over; now is the moment for action, commitment, and—where necessary—repentance.
In the Workplace: Have you been content with mediocrity, avoiding leadership roles to escape responsibility? By shying away from these opportunities, you miss the chance to shine for Christ in places that desperately need to see Him. Imagine the impact if you stepped up, leading with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to righteousness. Your leadership could transform your workplace into a beacon of Christian values.
In Public Office: Have you been silent when your voice was needed? Our nation desperately needs leaders who will govern with justice, mercy, and truth. If you have avoided the political sphere out of fear or a sense of inadequacy, consider this a call to step forward. We need Christians in public office who will uphold godly principles and advocate for the well-being of all.
In the Home: Parents, what culture are you cultivating within your family? Are you actively teaching your children to honor God and respect authority, or have worldly influences crept in? Your home is the first place where godly leadership must be exercised. If you have neglected this responsibility, it is time to repent and recommit to leading your family in a way that reflects Christ’s authority.
In Marriage: Husbands and wives, does your marriage embody the leadership of Christ and the submission of His Church? Have you honored your spouse with love, respect, and selflessness, or have selfishness and strife taken root? Strong marriages are the foundation of strong families and communities. If your marriage has fallen short, seek God’s forgiveness and strive to model Christ in your relationship.
In Discipleship: Finally, are you taking the call to disciple others seriously? Have you invested in the spiritual growth of those around you, or have you focused solely on your walk with Christ? Discipleship is not optional—it is a command. If you have neglected this vital aspect of Christian leadership, it is time to change. Step into the role of mentor, guide, and spiritual father or mother to those who need it.
Now is the time to act. God has placed each of us in positions of influence, no matter how small they may seem, to lead and to shine His light in a dark world, to live out His plans and priorities, and to bring His truth into a world of lies. We all get to play a part, not by hiding, but by leading.
Let us repent where we have fallen short of this. Let us seek God’s forgiveness and strength to fulfill our calling, living publicly for Him with renewed vigor and determination. Brothers and sisters, embrace the mantle of leadership that God has placed upon you, and let us work together to rebuild this culture, God willing, so that it will honor Him in every sector and sphere.
May the Lord bless us with the wisdom, courage, and grace to lead well, to His glory, and to the advancement of His Kingdom. Amen.
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