Exodus 20:1-18
Verse 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Another way we need to repent as Christians in order to experience revival is how we treat our elders, especially our mothers and fathers. There are those who teach this verse means to obey our parents but that isn’t what the word translated ‘honor’ means. It means to hold in great respect, give them the attention they are due. Obeying is a part of giving them respect when we are young but when we become adults God isn’t expecting us to obey our parents every demand.
Respecting our parents is the first of the commandments in the portion of the law about our relationship with others. It was no mistake or random act which had God starting this list with our parents. As the leaders of the family, they have a very important role in the kingdom of God. They are to be raising their children to love and obey God, it is easier to place God in a place of authority in our lives when we have a good understanding of our parent’s authority.
As Christians we should be leading examples of what it means to give honor to those in all authority positions. One way this command has been made light of is by our not being as faithful as we should to raising children who understand the necessity of honoring authority. This shows up in so many ways in society and as generations grow, we see more and more people who live for self because they were never taught the art of obeying authority.
Without a proper sense of authority things in society fall apart. Children no longer respect their parents, wives no longer respect their husbands, employees don’t honor their employers and citizens don’t give proper honor to the office of those in political power. Honor doesn’t mean you agree with their every decision but it does mean not mocking them and giving them proper respect due their position.
Of course the primary command given in this verse is honoring one’s own parents and we must remember the importance of this. It is so important it is the only command given with a promise. Whether as young children honoring through obedience, as an adult caring for aging parents or somewhere in between, God has commanded our hearts and thoughts towards our parents be honoring and loving because of our love for Him.
Making It Personal
What is your relationship like with your parents? How has disrespect for your parents affected other parts of your life? Do you have something you need to apologize to them about?
Making It Personal Kids
What does it mean to honor your mom and dad? Do you honor them? Do you need to tell them you are sorry for a time when you didn’t honor them?
Closing Prayer
Father, we repent of the times we haven’t been honoring of our parents or others in authority. Give us wisdom to know how to honor as You would have us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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