Ephesians 6:2,3
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
God gave ten commandments. This one contains a promise. He gives an incentive. He tells us of its importance. It is the right thing to do for children to honor their parents. It’s good for the child and good for the parents. Generally, the parent wants what’s best for the child. It’s to the child’s benefit to honor mom and dad.
We all want what we want. The child is no different. However, we may want something that is not to our benefit. The parents have lived long enough to see the harmful effects. A basic lesson is delayed gratification. Parents have learned this and seek to pass this on to the child. Most learn to trust the parent and patience is learned. Some don’t and learn it later. When kids get into school and throw tantrums, they get teased or isolated from others. This will let the lesson sink in.
Parents need respect. When the child shows the proper respect, the parent is happy. Some children stubbornly withhold respect. A good parent has patience and employs other ways to teach the child. Withholding rewards, etcetera.
This command to honor parents is a miniature of how we are to honor God. Just as it is right to honor parents it is right to honor God. He is worthy, He is good, He is the creator and sustainer of all. The joy we have in our hearts, the health we have in our bodies is all because of Him. Colossians says Jesus holds all things together. He should be praised and honored.
If we honor God, He rewards us. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” To fear Him means that we believe Him and do what He says. There may not be much love from the person. That’s why it’s the beginning. However, as we live a life of honoring Him, we learn that He is very loving, and we respond with love. He gives it as well.
Ezekial 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” This is part of the born-again process. When we ask Him to forgive us through Jesus’ sacrifice, He does so and gives us a new heart. Not a new personality, but a new heart. One that loves Him and seeks His ways.
We still have our old fleshly nature which has desires that are contrary to God. We ask Him for help. His Word gives much advice is regards to this. Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” We are to read the bible and go to church. We gain Christian friends who have the same values and we grow in the faith. It is good. Thank You, God.
When children honor their parents, they are doing God’s will. He blesses them. It’s step one in obedience to Him. There are other steps, but this is the first. Some do things out of order. God knows them and will reach them by other ways.
Lord, thank You for Your commands, Your ways and all the ways You help and bless us.