Lifelong Command

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:2–3

D.L. MOODY
Disobedience and disrespect for parents are often the first steps in the downward track. Many a criminal has testified that these are the points where he first went astray. I have lived over sixty years and I have learned one thing if I have learned nothing else—that no man or woman who dishonors father or mother ever prospers in the long run.

ERWIN LUTZER
The commandment, “Honor your father and your mother” (Deut. 5:16) is the one that is centrally located within the heart of God’s social program for the world because the family must be strong. God invests in parents an awesome responsibility; and in some respects, parents represent Him to their children. 
When do we obey our parents? We obey even when it hurts, even when the will of our parents seems to be contrary to our own desires and our own inclinations. If your parents are commanding you to sin, then you should not obey them but seek wisdom for a different course of action. But the Bible simply says, “Children, obey your parents” (Ephesians 6:1). Why? It is so “that it may go well with you.”
How this commandment should be applied in difficult family circumstances should be discussed with people who can provide wise, biblical, counsel. But as a general rule, we must honor our parents with our actions, attitude, and also with the attention that we should give them. This command does not have a timeframe. When God gave the Ten Commandments, He probably had in mind the responsibility of young people taking care of their older parents as they approach old age. Blessed are those who keep this commandment.

PRAYER
Father, help me to honor my parents at every stage in life. Continue to heal my family by your grace.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What does this command show about God’s heart?

How should believers honor their parents and God in light of this command?