One of the Ten Commandments is to honor your parents. You can’t get around it. While people will debate what “honor” really means we are to speak to and treat our parents with respect and dignity. They were given to us by God, and no matter how good or bad they raised us we are commanded to honor them.
Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” which is the first commandment with a promise so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
It Starts with Obedience
The first way that you honor your parents is by obeying them. As children, we are under their care, and we are to do what they tell us. Obedience is becoming a lost art in a culture where rebellion is celebrated. Yet scripture says that we learn obedience at a very young age. Parents are to teach their children to obey. This teaches them to respect others and how to live under authority. Even if you weren’t taught obedience growing up once you receive Christ you are expected obey. As we mature into adults, there is less obedience towards our parents and more honoring. Honoring is respecting them and their opinions. It is treating them with dignity around others.
A Restored Heart
Many Christians haven’t any idea how to obey God because they grew up disobeying their parents and hating authority. Fortunately, we can turn things around by surrendering our lives to Christ and obeying His Word. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit can remove that rebellious heart and replace it with one that honors our parents. It can even take a heart that has been hurt and damaged by parents who neglected us and restore it to one of love and forgiveness. If you are struggling with honoring your parents take it to the Lord today and ask him to do a work in your heart.
