God has given
His people commandments to follow that are straight forward and come with no
exceptions. But some Christians like to think that certain commands are no
longer relevant to them. One such
command this is “honor your father and mother.”
It is taken as something that is said just to children, but as grownups
they don’t need to follow it. But nowhere
in the verse does it mention that God is speaking to children. All people,
children and adults, are commanded to honor their fathers and mothers.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that
you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” ~Exodus
20:12
Another ‘but’
a Christian might add to the commandment would be that they had horrible
parents. Despite how parents treat their
children as they grow up, despite their flaws, bad parenting skills, or the inflicted
pain, God still commands His people to honor their parents. He is quite aware of the downfalls of the
parents and He still chose them to be the parents. He did this for His purpose,
not the parents’ or the child’s. Christians are commanded to do this not
suggested or asked, and so it is expected that the command be obeyed (as well
as the rest of them). A Christian’s role
is not to focus on what their parents did or still do wrong but to honor,
respect, and love their parents ALWAYS.
As adults this
can be hard because we have our own opinions, and our own ways. Adults can see and understand their parents
in ways they couldn’t as a child. But it
is what God has told us to do, and not our place to pass judgment upon them;
that is God’s. Also by obeying and trusting
in the Lord in all that we do concerning our parents we may be a light to those
around us. One day we may have children
of our own and be a light to them. All
good things come to those who obey the Lord.
“Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.” ~Proverbs
23:22
