Do I have to?

Even though the Bible says we are to honor our parents, a lot of people are left wondering if they still have to honor their folks even if they aren't deserving of any honor. In a nutshell, yes. The Bible is clear on this matter and it says that we should if we want things to go well for us. No matter what our parents do or don't do currently; or even did or didn't do for us, and some of us have had lousy childhoods, we are commanded by God to honor our parents. It's the fifth commandment.

Now before anyone gets their panties in a bunch over what I've just said, let me quickly make an important point regarding this matter: No child should ever willingly comply with something so offensive such as sexual abuse by a parent or cooperate with parents that want to make the child do something against God, or do something illegal. In that case, he or she (the child) can and should do as prescribed in First Timothy 5:1 and give your parent a gentle rebuke. "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers," (1 Timothy 5:1 NIV).

Let me point out some verses from the Bible that state the same thing I just said: Romans 13:1-2, and 1 Peter 2:17 are two of them, and then there's Daniel 2:22. What the verses are saying is that God is the one Who appointed your folks to be your folks. Likewise, it is God who sets up authority figures such as the president, the police, our bosses, and teachers.

Because it was God's will that our parents ended up being our parents, we honor God by showing respect to our parents. No matter how awful they may be, even if we can't stomach the sight of him or her, or believe he or she has risen from the bowels of hell itself, we're to show our folks some respect.

No matter what, we are never to be contemptuous toward any authority figure. Below are two conversations, one is an example of utter disrespect on the part of the child; the other is an example of how to honor God by honoring the parent.

Wrong:

Parent: "No, you cannot stay out past curfew; it's a school night."
Child: "You're too strict! I hate you!"
Parent: Stands there flabbergasted.

Right:

Parent: "No, you cannot stay out past curfew; it's a school night."
Child says with no hint of anger or sarcasm: "Okay; just thought I'd ask."
Parent: "No problem."
Child: "I love you," and hugs or kisses parent on cheek, "I'll be back on time."
Parent: Smiles and thanks God for giving him or her such an awesome kid.

Of course, there are other ways to honor your folks, such as:

· Helping them financially

· Caring for them, even letting them live with you in their golden years

· Showing them simple respect like the second conversation above

· Showing appreciation for whatever they do for you, no matter how small the gesture may be

· Mowing the lawn, helping with other chores without having to be asked--or threatened

· By walking in your faith

· Being faithful to God always brings honor to your parents

Remember: You honor God when you honor your parents and others in authority.


Copyright 2009 Sandra Purdue, A.K.A. The Bossy Church Lady. You can use whatever I write for whatever purposes as long as you don't take credit for what I've written.