Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee (Deuteronomy 5:16, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article explores the divine command to honor parents as a reflection of submission to God’s authority, linking obedience to tangible blessings, surrender of will, applications in church and society, and the foundational role of God’s love, ultimately offering personal and communal insights for fostering stronger families and communities aligned with heavenly principles.

HONORING PARENTS: CONNECTING MATTHEW 6:10 WITH EXODUS 20:12

The Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring parents, linking it to a broader understanding of God’s authority. Exodus 20:12 states, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (KJV). This commandment, placed within the Decalogue, highlights the sacred nature of the parent-child relationship. Ellen G. White adds, “Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, who has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents shall stand in the place of God to their children.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 308, 1890). This shows that parents act as representatives of God’s authority in the lives of their children, nurturing and guiding them. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right (Ephesians 6:1, KJV). Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old (Proverbs 23:22, KJV). The obligation resting upon children to honor their parents is of lifelong duration (The Adventist Home, p. 292, 1952). In the children committed to her care, every mother has a sacred charge from God: “Take this son, this daughter,” He says; “train it for Me” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 375, 1905). Honoring parents is not merely a social custom but a divine mandate, reflecting our respect for God’s delegated authority. What happens when obedience to this command brings forth promised rewards?

WILL OBEDIENCE YIELD PROMISED REWARDS?

Obedience to parents is connected to tangible blessings, both temporal and spiritual. The commandment to honor parents includes a promise: “that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12, KJV). Sr. White reinforces this, stating, “The command to honor father and mother has a promise of blessing, which will be fulfilled to those who obey.” (The Youth’s Instructor, January 4, 1894). This suggests that obedience fosters stability, security, and longevity, both in this life and the life to come. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee (Proverbs 3:1-2, KJV). Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord (Colossians 3:20, KJV). The fifth commandment requires children not only to yield respect, submission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give them love and tenderness (The Adventist Home, p. 292, 1952). Children who are Christians will prefer the love and approbation of their God-fearing parents above every earthly blessing (Messages to Young People, p. 335, 1930). Honoring parents is not just about following rules but about unlocking blessings through obedience, demonstrating a practical connection between faith and life experiences. How does this submission prepare us for a greater surrender?

CAN SUBMISSION SHAPE OUR FAITH JOURNEY?

Just as children submit to their parents’ guidance, we are called to surrender our will to God. Matthew 6:10 petitions, “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” (KJV). This verse encapsulates the essence of submission to divine will. Sr. White connects this to the parent-child relationship, writing, “As children, we surrender our will to our godly parents, similar we surrender our will to our God.” This analogy illustrates how the lessons learned in honoring parents prepare us for a deeper relationship with God. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7, KJV). And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2, KJV). The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). Yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you do this, God will immediately take possession, and work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure (Reflecting Christ, p. 57, 1985). Surrendering our will, whether to parents or to God, is a process of growth, learning to trust in a higher wisdom and purpose. In what ways do these family principles extend beyond the home?

HOW DO FAMILY PRINCIPLES IMPACT CHURCH AND SOCIETY?

The principles of honoring authority, learned in the family, extend to the church and society. The emphasis on honoring parents resonates with the broader call to respect established order and leadership within the church. Just as children learn discipline and respect at home, church members are encouraged to cultivate these virtues in their interactions with church leaders and fellow members. This promotes unity and cooperation, essential for the church’s mission. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1, KJV). Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king (1 Peter 2:17, KJV). Christ gives power to the voice of the church: “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Counsels for the Church, p. 276, 1991). The ten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and good laws; those who love God’s commandments will conform to every good law of the land (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 361, 1855). The family unit serves as a microcosm of society, teaching valuable lessons about respect, responsibility, and submission to authority, contributing to a more harmonious and functional community. What divine foundation underpins these commands of honor and obedience?

WHAT FOUNDATION SUPPORTS HONOR AND OBEDIENCE?

The command to honor parents and submit to God’s will is rooted in divine love. God’s love is the motivating force behind all His commandments. As 1 John 4:8 states, “God is love” (KJV). This love is expressed through His desire for our well-being and growth. Sr. White notes, “The will of God is expressed in His holy law, and the principles of this law are the principles of heaven. The angels of heaven attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God, and to do His will is the highest service that can engage their powers.” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 109, 1896). This shows that God’s law, including the command to honor parents, is an expression of His love, designed to guide us toward fulfilling lives. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16, KJV). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16, KJV). God is love; His nature, His law, is love; it ever has been; it ever will be (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). Love is the principle that underlies God’s government in heaven and on earth, and this love must be interwoven in the life of the Christian (That I May Know Him, p. 297, 1964). Understanding the divine love that underpins these commands transforms obedience from a burden to a joyful response to God’s care. How can these truths inspire personal and communal growth?

WHAT INSIGHTS ARISE FROM PERSONAL AND COMMUNAL REFLECTIONS?

Reflecting on these principles brings personal and communal insights. Personally, I have come to realize the profound impact my parents’ guidance has had on my life. Their love and discipline instilled in me a sense of responsibility and respect for authority. As a community, we can strengthen families by offering support and resources to parents, encouraging them in their God-given role. We must also foster an environment of respect for elders and those in authority, recognizing their valuable contributions to society. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1, KJV). Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21, KJV). Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and in their deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious living example of what they desire them to be (The Adventist Home, p. 306, 1952). The influence of a carefully guarded Christian home in the years of childhood and youth is the surest safeguard against the corruptions of the world (My Life Today, p. 124, 1952). By embracing these principles, both individually and collectively, we can create a world where families thrive, communities are strengthened, and God’s will is more fully realized on earth as it is in heaven.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of honoring parents and surrendering to God’s will, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these relational themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about parental honor and divine submission in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of respect and unity, living out the reality of God’s loving authority in family and society?