Honor Your Father and Mother

Biblical Church Worship: A Study of the Ten Commandments 
Exodus 20:12
The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Mother
Reading: Matthew 15:3-9; Ephesians 6:1-3

Honor Your Father and Mother
The word for “honor” within the fifth commandment carries the idea of value. Those things which we value we consider precious and very important. God commands the Hebrews to hold their parents in high esteem.
The Bible offers specific ways to honor our parents. Children show esteem when they obey their mother and father (Ephesians 6:1-3). We obey this command by providing for the physical needs of our parents (I Timothy 5:4-8). Taking time to listen to our parents is also an act of honor (Proverbs 1:8, 9). How we speak to and about our father and mother reveals the level of respect we hold for them (Exodus 21:17).
There is a promise attached to this command. Those who honor their parents are more likely to experience a long and better life here on earth. Wisdom gained from those who have more experience living in this world helps us navigate life’s pitfalls with more success.

Implication
We cannot properly worship God and despise our parents. Even with their sin and imperfections, our mother and father deserve, according to God, honor and value. It is a reasonable act of worship to God to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7).

Questions to Ask Yourself
1. What are your thoughts toward your parents?
2. If your parents are still alive, how long has it been since you spoke with them or spent time with them?
3. How willing are you to give help to your parents (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.)?