“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12 NKJV.
In Nigeria, there’s a saying: “No matter how tall a tree grows, it cannot shade the sun from its roots.” This proverb captures a timeless truth—our roots, our parents, remain the foundation of who we are. Just as a tree draws strength and nourishment from its roots, we draw wisdom and identity from those who raised us. However, in a fast-paced world where traditions sometimes clash with modernity, the act of honouring parents can feel like a fading art.
Today’s text is the fifth of the Ten Commandments, instructing children to honour their parents. It is also the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2-3). This emphasis highlights the importance God places on honouring one’s parents. Parents are the driving forces of the home; they provide, protect, teach, mirror godly examples and create the right atmosphere where children can thrive.
Parenting is a huge sacrifice, something many people fail to fully appreciate until they become parents themselves. To honour and respect one’s parents is to show them that you see and value their labour over you-and God rewards this.
Honour is practical; it is more than a rhetoric or a celebratory statement. It reflects the value you place on your parents and should be evident in the way you relate with them. The first key way to show honour to your parents is obedience. Proverbs 23:22 and Ephesians 6:1 instruct that children should imbibe the culture of obeying their parents.
Another way to demonstrate honour to your parents is by following their godly examples. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Apostle Paul commended Timothy for following the faith of his grandmother and mother. Furthermore, you cannot claim to honour your parents if you do not take care of them. In Mark 7:10-13, Jesus reproved the people for neglecting their responsibilities towards their parents, calling this behaviour a tradition of men that makes light of the Word of God. To truly honour your parents is to love and care for them.
Dear friend, you cannot claim to honour God yet disrespect your parents or guardians. Honour is a command with a blessing attached to it. Make it a point of duty to honour and respect your parents from today, and watch God fulfil His promise in your life.
Bible Reading Plan: Leviticus 14; Matthew 27:57-28:20