Did you know that most Christians struggle to understand the meaning of 'Honor your parents in the Lord' (Exodus 20:12, Matthew 15:4, Ephesians 6:1-3)? It is a commandment that needs to be more frequently understood; otherwise, it leads to hypocrisy in the Christian faith rather than cultivating the trait of honor in one's makeup, where Christian Character Counts.
Many believers suffer from a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' reality, which dishonors our Heavenly Parents (God the Father [Isaiah 54:5.] and Mother Wisdom [Proverbs 8]). Even those who believe they have a deep, personal relationship with Him can exhibit dangerous presumptions or guesswork in their understanding of His teachings. This superficial familiarity with Christ leads to profound ignorance, causing suffering in families and life's relationships.
The fifth commandment of God's moral law (Ten Commandments) states that we should obey our parents 'in the Lord' (Exodus 20:12). This small phrase has big implications yet is often overlooked or misunderstood. 'In the Lord' means, we should honor and obey our parents only if their love and expectations align with God's grace and truth. However, like today, many biological parents and spiritual leaders in Jesus' time were guilty of putting their traditions and worldly norms ahead of God's reality to the detriment of their families and followers. Jesus criticized them for their pride and hypocrisy and urged his followers to prioritize God's truth over human traditions (Matthew 15). To truly honor God and our parents, we must understand and apply the phrase "in the Lord" to our lives, not only with this command but all of God's teachings and promises.
The command to 'Honor your parents in the Lord' is more than just a call to obey our parents; it is a call to cultivate the trait of honor in our lives. Jesus himself exemplifies this trait in his life. He always spoke the truth and kept his word, even when it meant facing opposition or persecution by family and leadership. For example, when confronted by his earthly parents or the religious leaders of his day, Jesus boldly declared, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). He also showed respect and compassion for all people, regardless of their position, social status, or circumstances. Finally, Jesus remained loyal to his Heavenly Parents first, then to his earthly parents and relationships, even to the point of death (Luke 22:42). By following Jesus' example, we too can cultivate the trait of honor in our character.
Take time today to reflect on the trait of honor and how you can embody it in your daily life. Consider the example set by Jesus, who consistently respected tradition as long as it aligned with God's Love and expectations (hope). How can you mimic these behaviors in your relationships and interactions with others? Remember, cultivating the trait of honor requires intentional effort and practice, but it will lead to more fulfilling and life-giving relationships. Take the challenge to commit to practicing integrity and honor daily to see its beneficial impact now and always where Christian Character Counts.
With honor,