Command #5 - Dealing With Mom and Dad

Honor your father and mother, that you may have a long, good life in the land the Lord your God will give you. (Exodus 20:12 TLB)

This command can present a great challenge to the believer as some parents do not command respect by their conduct – we would be more inclined to disrespect them if solely responding to their behavior. But our heavenly Father, knowing the fallen nature of man and specifically of our parents toward us, still directs that we are to honor them.

How? Well, firstly, we honor God’s command. Second, we honor the position moreso than the person in the position. When they are in need – we honor. When they are frail – we honor. When they are wrong – with Godly wisdom, we honor. When they are permissive. When they are limiting. When they are inclusive. When they are exclusive. When they are present. When they are absent. In all these circumstances, we honor them. And the promise of our perfect Father is that we will have a long, good life.

As you and I sit here today, we are both aware of circumstances that may make this command seem impossible. Abuses and wrongs have been heaped upon some of us by the very ones who were supposed to love and care for us. Without sounding trite or indifferent, let me share with you from the depths of my heart that our heavenly Father loves you. He knows the horror that some have endured at the hands of their parents. And He says that you are beloved and precious in His sight. You are of great value to Him. So much so, that He sacrificed His own son on your behalf, so that, if you’d like, you could choose to be in loving relationship with Him both here on earth and in heaven eternally. He will walk with you through this life, giving you joy, strength and wisdom, if you will let Him.

You are loved, dear one. And if you have a parent (or parents) who dropped the ball, know that your heavenly Father loves you and will never turn His back on you.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)