Paying Respect to Parents in God
Honoring parents means showing respect through words and actions and having an attitude of deep respect for their status. In Greek, the word “honor” means “to respect, love, and esteem.” Honor is showing respect not only because the person deserves it but also because of their status. For example, some Americans may disagree with the President’s decisions, but they still respect his status as the leader of their country. Similarly, all children of all ages are expected to honor their parents, regardless of whether or not their parents “deserve” the respect.
God specifically emphasizes that we should honor our parents. He mentioned the duty of honoring parents in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and reiterated it in the New Testament: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—the first commandment with a promise—“that it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) The command to honor parents is the only commandment in the Bible that carries a promise of long life on the earth. Those who honor their parents will be blessed (Jeremiah 35:18-19). On the other hand, those who are “corrupt in mind” and who do wrong will be punished in the last day for disobeying their parents (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2).
King Solomon, the wisest of men, also urged children to honor their parents (Proverbs 1:8; 13:1; 30:17). Even if we are not under the direct authority of our parents for long, we cannot override God’s command to honor them. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was obedient to his physical parents (Luke 2:51) and his heavenly Father (Matthew 26:39). Following Christ’s example, we should treat our parents as we would our heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:9; Malachi 1:6).
Obviously, we are commanded to honor our parents, but how do we do it? We need to honor them both in our actions and in our attitudes (Mark 7:6). Respect their expressed and unstated wishes. “A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1). In Matthew 15:3-9, Jesus admonished the Pharisees about the command to honor their parents. They followed the law to the letter, but they added other traditions to overturn the law. While they said they should honor their parents, their actions showed their true motives. Honoring in action is better than just saying it. The word “honor” in this passage is a verb and therefore requires action.
We must be diligent in finding ways to honor our parents as we seek to glorify God in our thoughts, words, and actions. As children, obeying our parents helps us practice honoring them. This includes listening, paying attention, and submitting to their authority. As adults, the obedience we learned as children will help us obey those in authority, such as the government, the police, or our employers.
When we are asked to honor our parents, it does not mean that we imitate ungodly parents (Ezekiel 20:18-19). Even if a parent instructs their child in things that are completely contrary to God’s Word, the child must still obey God rather than his or her parents. (Acts 5:29)
Honor will be honored. God will not honor those who do not obey His command to honor their parents. If we desire to please God and be blessed, we should honor our parents. Honoring our parents is not easy, not always fun, and almost impossible to do by our own strength. But it is a way to help us live in accordance with our purpose, which is to glorify God. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).
Pray for your parents to be at peace and satisfied with the “inheritance” that God has given them.
May He grant parents the heavenly wisdom to teach their children and above all may “ANNE’s story” be the wish of parents for their descendants.
May children know how to love, honor and serve their BIRTHDAYS according to the will of the Father in heaven.
Pray in the Name of Jesus Christ