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“Honor Your Father And Your Mother”

The “first commandment with promise” is to “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12; cf. Ephesians 6:2). While this promise was physical in nature, there can be no doubt that many will miss heaven because of their narrow selfish hearts shutting out feeble and needy parents.

True followers of Christ will truly “honor” their parents — especially in old age.  This is so obviously “right” that the Apostle Paul appeals to children on an axiomatic basis (Ephesians 6:1).  Yet, there are Christians who have sinned by ignoring their obligation to their elderly parents.

Even Gentile pagans, who were not under a codified law as were the Jews, could know “by nature” (Romans 2:14) that taking care of their parents was “right” and were adjudged sinners when they were “disobedient to parents” (Romans 1:30).

In view of this obligation, Paul wrote to Timothy:

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

The term “honor” is translated from a word meaning “to make heavy” — hence, a valuing, a price paid or received.  It signifies “to hold dear an object of value.” There are times when the word “honor” points directly to financial support (1 Timothy 5:17).

The idea of honoring elderly parents includes the exercise of concern, and a willingness to supply their needs.  Do we not provide shelter and protection to those we hold dear to us (our spouse and children)? Even infidels care for their own (Luke 6:32-34). My question has always been, “How can we call a man or woman a Christian, who will not honor their parents when they need help?

It’s sad to see members of the church who live in expensive homes, drive expensive cars, and have expensive boats, whose parents are in need of attention and care.

Have we ever visited a “rest home” and asked the folks there if their son or daughter ever visits them? It’s heart-rending to see a wrinkled, palsied head drop and then say, “No, neither my son or daughter have visited me in a long time.” And then we hear the parent in defense of the child — “But they are very busy you know.  My son has such a responsible position — and he really doesn’t have much time to visit me.”

Brethren and friends, James tells us we are obligated to “visit” [to look after, have care for, provide for] those in need (James 1:27; cf. Matthew 25:35; 1 John 3:16-18). As Christians, if we are not fulfilling our responsibility in this area, will the Lord honor our excuses on judgment day? (cf. Luke 14:16-24).