Picture your parents in your mind’s eye. In all that you see, do you also envision the face of God superimposed over theirs? In every case, they’re your parents because your Lord God put them there as his authority over you. As such, he commands you to honor their parenting as you would his.

“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’” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

Incredibly, your heavenly Father adds an incentive to following his already perfect order. It will “go well with you” to respect your parents as his representatives “that you may enjoy long life” while here on earth. Imagine the benefits for all of you as you live together under the same authority of a just and loving God! 

If your parents don’t know their privileged position comes from God, then you have the opportunity to show them the face of his Son, Jesus, so you might win them over to Jesus and their purpose as his children. Your days will be more difficult, but you will not go at it alone. The Holy Spirit is living in you, helping you every step of the way.

Honor your mom and dad. Acknowledge their noble stations—they come with a heavy responsibility. You will increase the confidence and joy in their roles of a lifetime!