Articles
HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER
God had just finished the giving of the first four commandments relating to the love we
should have for Him (Ex. 20:3-11). He then turns His attention to the love we are to have for
others, and begins with, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged
in the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Ex. 20:12). We have heard this command many
times and it is even repeated in the New Testament by Jesus (Matthew 15:4) and by the apostle
Paul (Ephesians 6:2). But what exactly are we talking about?
When one honors his or her parents he does so in the following ways:
(1) Obeying them (Deut. 21:18-20); (2) speaking respectfully to them and about them
(Lev. 19:3); (3) not cursing or striking them (Ex. 21:15, 17; Lev. 20:9); and (4) providing for
their needs when they are no longer able to provide for themselves. Jesus indicated that
“honoring” parents included this fourth meaning in Mark 7:9-13.
The apostle Paul identified this commandment as “the first … with a promise” (Eph.
6:2). According to Ex. 20:12, the promise was “...that your days may be prolonged in the land
which the Lord your God gives you.” To the Israelites, this meant they would be allowed to
continue living in Canaan if they honored their parents. By honoring their parents they were
keeping the covenant between God and their fathers and would not turn away from the Lord.
Ultimately, Israel was removed from the land God had given them because they failed to observe
the requirements of the Law which were taught to them by their parents. (Truth for Today
Commentary, Exodus, p. 330).
Honoring fathers and mothers involves more than just one or two days a year. It is to be a
daily practice of obedience, respect, kindness, patience, understanding, etc. I’m glad there has
been a day set aside to honor our parents, but I pray that we practice honor each and every day.
Mom’s, Happy Mother’s Day! We honor you for your sacrifices over the years. We
honor you for the example of Christian faithfulness shown in your daily lives. We thank you for
the little (and big!) life lessons taught us from the earliest days of our life on this big planet. We
thank you for the endless love given to us, in spite of our shortcomings.
Heavenly Father, thank you for Moms and Dads. Bless them as they continue to live their
lives for You, setting for us examples of lives dedicated to service in Your kingdom and obedient
to Your Word. ~P. Mowrer
