“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

— Exodus 20:12

Most parents have to deal with disobedience from their children at some time or other.

In the Ten Commandments we find that children who honor their parents receive a special promise from God: the blessing of a long life.

Happiness is the result of obedience. No child can be happy being a nightmare to their parents. No child can build happiness on a foundation of rebellion.

Sadly, children who disobey their parents and other authorities often reap misfortune and tragedy. Many children shorten their days because they follow the slippery path of disobedience, get involved with harmful friends, and seek excitement in dangerous places. They turn away and cover their ears so as not to listen to their parents’ advice. But unfortunately they often do so to their peril.

Where can they look instead to find happiness and a life of blessing? As the Bible teaches, they can find happiness in obedience to the Lord, and that includes honoring their parents. Ephesians 6:1-3 summarizes this way: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”

Great God, we all need to respect the established authorities in our lives. Help us to start at home, honoring our parents, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.