“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2,3 KJV)
My wife and I celebrate our son’s 18th birthday tomorrow. Though he is only 17, he has already graduated high school and started college. He has a head start in life in so many ways and he has made several good decisions so far. When pastors teach on the above verses, it’s usually from the perspective of a younger child. I wonder if this was not actually meant for something closer to this time in life. Because when you are under your parents roof; you’re stuck with their rules. More or less. It’s when you start to get a taste of real freedom that you now get to decide what you will or will not honor. Of course, keeping in mind that honor is a different word than obey.
You find in life that as you do find ways to honor your parents, that you are really honoring Jesus. Whether they deserve honor or not, you learn how to extend grace. You learn how to lead with respect. Even if from a distance or after they are gone you learn how to love because that is what is needed. In fact, as you walk in obedience in Christ, you become yet more free, more independent, and stronger than you ever thought possible. Life is not only longer; it’s better because you let him author every step of it.
Did you ever notice what the balance of this chapter is about? Spiritual warfare! Do you think it a mere coincidence that Paul should lead off with the parent / child relationship? If we don’t get this right, are we able to adequately put on the prescribed armor? After all, are not some of the most heated battles right in the center of the family unit? Conversely, are not some of the biggest spiritual prayer warriors that will pray for you for decades, also in that family unit?
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” (John 14:15,16 KJV)