Honoring Parents

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