Answer # 20

God clearly commands us to honor our parents. He does not say "Honor your parents only if they deserve honoring" or "Honor your parents if they please you." God says, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" (Ex.20:12).

God condemns those who do not honor and respect their parents. "For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death" (Matt. 15:4).

However, in Ephesians 6:1, God says, through Paul, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Notice Paul says "in the Lord"; that is, as long as obeying your parents does not cause you to disobey God's laws. God does not tell us to follow the things our parents do if those things are not right in God's sight (Acts 5:29).

But understand this point: Obedience to God is not an excuse for dishonoring parents. Nor does God hold us responsible for their actions. "Now, lo, if he [a father] beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like... he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.... When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live" (Ezek. 18:14-19).

God does not say to look down your nose at and disrespect your parents and the office He has given them. Just because they are not perfect does not allow you — who also are not perfect - to disobey them. Remember, that even a truly converted Christian is not perfect.

Respect, love and honor your parents and the office of authority God has given them. Have genuine humility. Obey them as much as possible. Do not overlook the good in your folks. Don't forget how much your parents have fed, clothed, housed and educated you. If you are at home, go out of your way to be on good terms with your father and mother. Help with the chores.

Be with your family on outings together, so your parents can enjoy their children as long as they can. Never offend them or try to cram your beliefs or religion down their throats. Be a success for your parents in school or on the job. Write to them if you are away from home.

God feels strongly about this. He is our spiritual father and we owe Him awe and respect. He wants us to obey Him and His perfect way of living. God will not tolerate a rebellious individual who will not respect Him or earthly parents.

Remember what God says about your physical parents: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:1-3).

If we properly honor our parents, God will bless us not only with long life and physical blessings, but also with spiritual blessings and everlasting life.