God commands us to honor our father and mother, promising that our days may be long upon the land which the LORD our God gives us. This honor reflects a profound respect and deference, recognizing the weighty responsibilities parents hold over the lives of His people. We must always honor our parents, especially in areas where they excel and do what is right, though obedience is not always required if their commands conflict with God's Word. Children are to obey parents as they would the Lord, within the scope of His teachings, submitting to consequences if refusal is necessary to uphold divine principles. Honoring parents for their integrity and faithfulness to what is right acknowledges the sound principles they pass on, which, when followed out of respect for them and God, provide wisdom to prolong and enhance our days.

Parenting in today's world is fraught with challenges, as societal pressures and external judgments often undermine parental authority. Many modern parents face criticism and interference from experts, social media, and intrusive government policies, making it difficult to maintain control over childrearing decisions. Despite these obstacles, establishing and maintaining authority within the family remains crucial. Parents are called to stand as the primary authority figures in their children's lives, reflecting a divine order where children are subject to their parents' guidance. Children must learn to honor, respect, and obey their parents, recognizing their word as law. This principle is rooted in the understanding that honoring parents leads to better outcomes for both the child and the family, fostering a foundation for a long and productive life. By establishing this authority early, parents can reduce the need for severe correction later and mitigate potential rebellion as children grow. Consistency is vital in parenting, as it builds trust and confidence in children, mirroring the unchanging nature of God. Parents must strive to be steadfast in their principles and united in their approach, ensuring that children cannot exploit inconsistencies between them. This united front prevents confusion and manipulation, reinforcing parental authority. Furthermore, parents must be actively involved in their children's lives, not as distant observers but as engaged participants. This involvement includes being present to support struggles and celebrate successes, modeling the intimate care that God shows His children. While avoiding overbearing or overly protective behaviors, parents should provide a balanced environment that encourages growth, confidence, and proper character development. Ultimately, diligent parenting that upholds authority, consistency, and engagement is essential. Neglecting these responsibilities can lead to a child's destruction, while faithful adherence brings peace and delight through the successful upbringing of principled children.

Honor is a profound and essential principle, deeply rooted in the reverence and respect we owe to our parents. To honor means to hold in high esteem, to show respect, and to reward, encompassing both an inward emotion of reverence and outward actions that elevate the person being honored. No greater honor is due to any human being than to our physical parents, for our lives will not be well with us until we truly grasp and practice this honor. Honoring our fathers and mothers is foundational to a way of life aligned with God's truth, unlocking spiritual and physical success. God places immense importance on honoring parents, promising blessings for obedience and severe consequences for disobedience. If we fail to honor our parents, we risk judgment and curses, impacting not only ourselves but future generations. Practical benefits arise from this honor, while dishonoring parents through mockery, criticism, or anger is deemed one of the most serious offenses, carrying grave repercussions. The relationship between fathers and sons, and parents and children, is critical in understanding honor. Fathers are ordained as instruments to teach children about God the Father through discipline, marking true sonship. Without honor for our earthly parents, we cannot fully approach our heavenly Father. Promises accompany this principle, ensuring that children trained in honor will grow into honorable individuals, passing on this legacy through generations. Honoring parents is not merely about outward politeness but involves a deep inner reverence that places us under their authority, uniting us with them in respect and support. This honor surpasses worldly knowledge, defining true success. However, dishonor through wrong looks, tones, or words brings a curse, as serious now as it was in ancient times, marking it as a significant issue in the end times. Both fathers and mothers must set examples of honor within the family, as mutual respect between parents shapes children's attitudes. Honor breeds honor, respect breeds respect, and tenderness breeds tenderness, while dishonor and disrespect perpetuate the same. Cultivating symbols of honor in the home reinforces this principle, reminding children of the standard to honor their father and mother for long life and well-being. Even under perverse authority, honor must be maintained unless it conflicts with God's law. In such cases, disobedience is permitted only when parents demand actions against God's commands, but this does not license constant questioning of parental decisions. Honor does not always mean obedience, especially for those who have established their own households, yet respect and counsel from parents remain vital at any age. If dishonor has occurred, one must humble oneself and seek forgiveness, building a relationship of honor with parents regardless of their beliefs. Honoring parents, alongside humility, aligns with God's system of honor, bringing blessings and reflecting His ultimate authority as the source of all honor. True honor, exemplified by Jesus Christ in His service and humility, is rooted in love, urging us to outdo one another in showing honor to our parents and others. Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you for now and for eternity.