Paul wrote the book of Ephesians to a group of believers at the church of Ephesus to give them a manual for Christian living.

As young children we are taught Ephesians 6:1: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

But as we grow older we think the verse no longer applies to us and we often miss the next two verses as well.

Ephesians 6:2-3: Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

First, we see the promise. Honor your parents that your days may be long. The opposite must be true as well: dishonor your parents, shorten your life.

But let’s go back to verse 1. Children…

Even Cracker Barrel acknowledges CHILDREN OF ALL AGES in its menu. We may have surpassed the mirror of youth but we are all still someone’s child. Whether living or not, you are to still show honor to your parents.

There are no preclusions here. No if your parent is saved..No unless your mom wasn’t maternal or only if your dad wasn’t abusive.

That doesn’t mean you are to put yourself in harm’s way or subject yourself to mental anguish. It does mean you are to honor them. With your words, with your prayers, with your actions.

I’ve seen people rip their parents to shreds on Facebook over differing beliefs.

I’ve heard people stand up in services and pray that their parent burns in hell one day.

This is not honoring your parents.

On the opposite side of that, I’ve seen recovering addicts use this verse to mean they must go home to the parent who’s also their former drug partner and within two days they are back in throes of addiction. That wasn’t necessary nor is it what “honor” means.

In a nutshell, honor your parents means to speak life. Whether you are talking to them or about them, be uplifting. Sometimes just speaking kind words can bring about a changed heart.