Honoring Mom and Dad

In the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12), God instructs, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." God takes family relations seriously. He wants us to be children in His family (1 John 3:1). But such a family is impossible without the correct relations between each member—especially honor.

It's important to note that there's no "if" clause in the Fifth Commandment. We are not told, "Honor your father and your mother unless/until [insert reason here]." We are to honor them always. That may be difficult when families are in chaos.

As a representative of your family's name, you choose whether or not you bring honor or dishonor to your parents by your actions. What you do (and even don't do) will affect how people see not only you, but those related to you. When we choose to bring honor to our family name and our parents, it opens up the potential for a long and happy life.

Won't it be great when the whole world finally keeps the Fifth Commandment?