Honour

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

WITH PROMISE

Scripture Reading--Exodus 20:12

"Honour thy father and thy mother:

that thy days may be long upon the land

which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 

The first four of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship with God.  God knew that His people needed to keep Him first in every dimension of their lives.  Commandment number five is significant because it focuses on the most important of all human relationships.  The relationship someone has with his parents is such a high priority that it's second only to his relationship with God.

This commandment is so important that God backs it up with the promise of a life lived longer and better than that of one who dishonors his parents.  It is important to remember that we aren't just talking about number of years here.  God isn't just talking about adding years to your life but adding fullness of life to the years you live.

Why is this relationship with parents so important for a child?  God places parents in children's lives to teach them how to get along with God.  Where does a child first learn the difference between right and wrong?  Where does a child first learn that he will receive rewards for doing right and consequences for doing wrong?  Where does a child first learn how to obey?  Is it not at home under the training of parents who know God and want their child to do the same?  A child who cannot get along with his parents will have a difficult time getting along with God.  To be even more blunt, a child who is not right with his parents will find it impossible to be right with God.

God did not make a mistake when He have children their parents.  No, in so doing, He was preparing them for a life of blessing that would come from knowing Him.  Parents are God's special blessing to children.

BIBLE READING:  Read Ephesians 6:2-3.  Discuss some ways life will "be well" for children who honor their parents.

--Tom Palmer--