Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:12
Knowing God commanded us to honor our parents (legal guardians), we realize that we must be in right fellowship with our Lord to do this well. As a disclaimer, if anyone lives in an abusive household, that person must seek help from the proper authorities. To honor those legal guardians in our lives, sometimes we must seek help for ourselves and them because abuse is never to be tolerated. God’s command in Exodus 20:12 says explicitly, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” Many people have taken this Scripture out of context. Many have said God guarantees a long earthly life if we honor our parents, but we know many people who lived and honored their parents, and their lives were cut short due to an illness, accident, or some other unfortunate event. What God is telling us is that rebellion is costly. Rebellion comes in many ways, and we know many who have paid a high price for their rebellion against their parents or any other authorities in their lives. God is reminding all of us that obedience to Him and His Word always results in His blessing (Matthew 7:24–27, Luke 11:28, John 13:17, James 1:25). God wants us to live and look different than the lost world in which we live and part of that includes how we honor our parents. This world makes fun of the older generations, and this should not surprise us knowing what God commanded. We must never follow the world’s example.
Challenge & Application
· What are ways you can honor your parents (legal guardians) and so also honor our Lord?
· How have you seen great examples from others who have honored their parents well?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!