Honoring Your Parents: A Commandment with a Promise

Honoring Your Parents: A Commandment with a Promise

By Joel B

Phl 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus was the perfect Son. He did everything right, even unto death. In turn, we should also try to be perfect sons and daughters. It may not be easy at times, but it is always necessary.

The first thing to keep in mind when honoring our parents is that there is a hierarchy involved. First, we must honor our parent who is God, and then we must honor our parents who are our earthly parents. In an ideal situation we will be honoring God and our earthly parents simultaneously. The reason I mention this is because we must first heed God’s word when making decisions. Honoring our parents can mean doing what is right in the face of adversity when a parent may challenge you to do something that is wrong. Now, be very careful with these words. If you disobey your parents, make very sure that you are in line with how the Holy Spirit is leading. I’m not telling you to disobey for just any reason and then turn around and try to use God as a crutch.

Now there is also an incentive with honoring our parents. It is the fifth of the Ten Commandments, but the first of the commandments with a promise. Honoring our parents will lead to longevity in the land that the Lord has given to you. Lets quickly look at two scriptures that make this point, because it’s important that you know it’s there and where to find it:

Exo 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Now lets take it just one verse further, so I can make another point:

Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Parents, you have a role to play in helping your children to honor you. You need to be nurturing and not provoke them to wrath so that it is easier for them to honor you. You also need to nurture and teach them to respect the things of the Lord. Of course, to be an even better teacher, you need to follow the things the Holy Bible teaches and be an example to your children.

So, lets put everything together. Children, always follow God’s lead and listen to your parents unless they are telling you something that you know is blatantly wrong. If you can’t do as they ask, I would encourage to share a scripture that would explain why you can’t, so they understand your position. Parents, treat your children fairly and lead by example. Also, stay rooted in biblical truth. If we follow all these principles, we should have no trouble honoring God and honoring each other, and that my friends will lead to a long life. Thank you for reading and God bless.