Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”
–Ephesians 6:1-3
In today’s passage, the apostle Paul encourages us to respect, listen to, and obey our mother and father.
He also reminds us that God promises if we do so, He will bless is abundantly.
Jesus didn’t just give Paul words of instruction; He gave him words of experience as well. Among Jesus’ last words were those expressing concern that His mother would be cared for after He was gone (John 19:26-27).
When you love Jesus with a deep and sincere love, treating your parents as we’ve been commanded to do will be second nature. When you are close to Jesus, you will be a person who brings your mother, father, and God a great sense of pride and joy.
The Bible is clear: if our parents are at odds with God’s teaching, honoring God must always come first. However, honoring our parents is a God-given blessing. Even now that I’m grown, I also know how much I wanted to make my mom proud of me.
Honoring your parents is to honor God as well.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please give me the wisdom to respect, listen to, and obey my mom and dad. Help me honor them and in doing so, honor You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
Today, what are some ways I can honor my parents?