In the years gone by, when our parents were young, honouring elders was a norm; many of our parents will testify to that.

When I was a teenager, honoring parents was a priority- not to our parents alone but to elders generally. Though we had disobedient children around then, they were scarce. Even when we didn’t feel like honoring them, we obeyed because we love and respect them, but today the opposite is happening.

What brought about this change? Even in public children snap at their parents and ignore their orders like there is nothing their parents can do about it. It’s not always because their parents are unloving or cruel that leads to dishonour; even some youths whose parents trained in the way of Yahweh still dishonour their parents.

Some people say, “Respect your parents at all times”. Others say, “Not always”.

Whichever one you agree with, let’s answer some questions first:

Parent(s) who treat their children with disdain? Or a parent who insists that his/her child should not be restricted at all? Or a parent who sexually abuse(d) his/her child?

What about children who suffer innate tendency (naturally stubborn)? Or a parent who is not concerned about the child’s welfare even when they have the resources? Parents that are constantly fighting, bickering, fraudulent, drunkenness, and sexual immorality, while their children watch? Broken home?

Whose Fault?

After careful observation, children that suffer any of the unloving acts listed above often don’t honor their parents and other higher authorities.

Unfortunately, they constitute a larger percentage in our society today. It is sometimes believed that some parents are not worthy of respect because they never played their roles as good parents to their children.

In as much as you try to respect them, you discover that doing that is rather more complicated. Yes, Yahweh knows that some parents would be insensitive and unloving in their acts to their children yet He commands children to obey their parents.

Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt 19:19 NLT. That is why Yahushua said true Christianity is living to please Yahweh, not yourself.”

Then Yahushua said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matt 16:24-25NLT.

We are commanded not to steal because stealing is wrong and would lead to grievous punishment if caught. You definitely won’t be happy if any of your possessions were stolen.

Similarly, we are commanded to honor our parents because we would want our children to do likewise to us in the future. Though ungodly parents will also face the penalty for not training their children in the way of the Lord, they will not face your punishment for you just as you would not be held for theirs.

Just like anyone caught in any vices won’t be told to go call the parents to come to face the punishment for him/her; no! The person will face it alone.

 What Is Honor?

According to the English dictionary, honor has quite a few meanings; it describes it as “Personal integrity, respect, dignity, reputation, obedience, hold someone in high esteem, source of pride”, to mention a few.

Looking at each of those interpretations; the phrase ‘hold someone in high esteem’ centres on them, so we say honor means reverence. Honor also means Respect. Respect is an act of being polite always.  

From this definition let’s understand what God says concerning this word ‘honor’?  I

n the book Ehp6: 1-2NLT

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:

So defining the word honor in God’s term; honor means to love and reverence our parents no matter what in the way of the Lord for a reward.

THE REWARD: if you honor your father and mother “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth. Eph6:3.

Who doesn’t want things to go well for him/her and live long? Of course, everyone wants that! But what are you doing or what kind of life are you living to achieve this? Are you honorable?

 If you are rebellious, disobedient to parent, don’t think you can benefit from Yahweh’s blessings (reward).

Honor Your Parents

Recently, the story of a young lady who was sent to school to study but chose to disobey her parents went viral.

She left school to visit her boyfriend who ended up using her for money ritual. It was said that she spoke with her dad on the phone on her way to her boyfriend’s place but told her father she was in school.

Not revealing her true destination to her dad proves she’s disobedient to her father, but the consequences were deadly for her without a second chance. From this, the young lady couldn’t do well neither did she live long because she disobeyed her parents.

Never say “it can’t happen to me”, remember the heart of men is desperately wicked. Thus, I implore you not to get conformed to this world by disobeying your parents but to God’s word (Romans12:2).

People who don’t honor their parents will never accept disrespect from  their younger ones or anyone under their authority.

I strongly compel you to respect your parents no matter the situation on the ground. Your parents love you so much than to wish you harm. It’s for your own good. Don’t forget they were the first set of people who showed you love. Why is it now, when you ought to show some appreciation by respecting them, that you begin to see them as too tough, unsympathetic or over-protective?

This ought not to be, it’s that same love they showed you while growing up that they still feel for you today that is why it’s like they are monitoring every step you take so you don’t fall. So learn to be nice enough to show respect!

Do ungodly parents deserve the honor? How to avoid negative influence from them will be discussed next week.

Always remember, Yahweh loves you!