“’Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Honoring your parents is one obligation you never outgrow. Regardless of your age, God expects you to show your father and mother respect and to treat them with gracious concern, especially as they grow older.
No pious pronouncement of “Corban”—i.e., “a gift to God” (Mark 7:11)—can excuse you from honoring your aging parents and attending to their needs. Jesus says it is impossible for you to be so heavenly minded before God that you are of no earthly good to your parents (Mark 7:9-13). Anyone who fails to provide for an aging, needy parent is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8)
Honoring your father and mother is of such importance to God, it was the first command He gave to the nation of Israel which had an explicit promise of blessing attached to it (cf. Deuteronomy 5:16). Unlike the sense of entitlement which is poisoning our culture, learning and embracing your personal duties to your parents is an essential ingredient to a successful life.
Honor your father and mother while living under their roof by obeying them in all things (Colossians 3:20).
Honor your father and mother by living a life which does not bring them heartbreak or shame.
Honor your father and mother after leaving home by respecting them and treating them with tender concern year-round, not just for a Sunday in May and in June.
Honor your father and mother by lovingly caring for them when they are frail and unable to do for themselves. Be sure to teach your children to do likewise (1 Timothy 5:4).
Honor your father and mother after they have passed from this life by focusing your memories of them on their strengths, not their shortcomings.
Honor your father and mother. It matters to God; therefore, it ought to matter to you.
