Honoring Parents

Observations

• The parental commandment is intentionally situated as the bridge between the vertical and horizontal ones.
• God provides parents to serve as a tangible example of His goodness and guidance.
• To honor one’s parents is to give weight to their unique role.
• The inclusion to honor one’s mother was a distinction of biblical faith in a world that devalued women.
• In an order of diminishing consequences per command, this parental one is valued higher than all remaining.
• God promises long life for obedient children because they are guaranteed to do less stupid things that might get them killed.

Applications

• Children who dishonor parents will most likely show defiance to all other authority figures (Rom. 1:30).
• You aren’t loving your children if you leave their rebellious ways unchallenged (Prov. 13:24).
• Children still dependent upon their parents need to obey them as long as their expectations aren’t sinful (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20)
• God never provides an age limit to the expectation of honoring one’s parents.
• Your parents don’t have to be honorable for you to show them honor.
• Where it is challenging to honor the personalities of your parent, you can always show honor to the position of your parent.
• The way you care for your parents’ needs indicates how you value God’s commands (1 Tim. 5:8).