![]() They’re separate things that children ought to do. He explicitly lists them as two separate sentences. ![]() In fact, Paul doesn’t even join the sentences with a conjunction. But while “obey your parents” and “honor your father and mother” are both worthwhile instructions, Paul never states that they’re the same thing. In Ephesians 6, Paul himself even follows up his instruction for children to be obedient with a restatement of the fifth commandment. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1) And for some, it seems to marry well with a couple of Paul’s directives: It’s routinely quoted by parents, grandparents, and others when their offspring go against their wishes. The fifth command is often used as moral drill to drive children into submission. Here, I hope to shed some light on this seemingly simple, but often tedious, commandment and provide a framework through which all may be able to understand and keep this commandment. But what should our response be toward parents when they’re dishonorable? What should be our expectation of our children’s decisions when we fall short of the will of God? How can we keep the commandment when the circumstances and people involved are less than ideal? Some mistakes are more significant than others. What if your parents are evil? What if they’re dishonorable? What if God calls you to something apart from the will of your parents? How then are you to honor your father and mother? Stated plainly, if you are one of God’s people, you are directed to “honor your father and your mother.” This command is stated unequivocally and without qualifiers. ![]() “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12) As covered in The Marriage Commandments, the fifth of the Ten Commandments states:
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