This commandment seems to be largely forgotten today. Children and young people act as if they never heard of or even thought about this Biblical principle.

It is probably because their parents did not raise them in church. All too often, parents have been seeking riches and keeping Sundays for their own pleasure rather than doing what God wants. As a result, their children are not saved and not interested in God or the church. No wonder they act like they do – and it is often the parent’s fault.

What is even more odd is that the parents often let them get away with such behavior. When a child is allowed to be disrespectful of authority, later they tend to disrespect all authority figures. Sooner or later, it lands them in jail – which tends to harden them further. They must learn the hard way.

It is easier for parents to teach their children to respect them and authority when they have the church backing them up. They also learn to respect others, the law, government, and God.

This verse also has a promise with it. God promises long life for those who honor their parents. Many young people who dishonor their parents soon find like-minded friends. They get on drugs, end up in trouble, and often die young.

God gives a promise to those who follow this commandment and will honor Him. The command is repeated in the New Testament. Paul repeats it like this in 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.”

Children should honor their parents by keeping in contact with them – and not just for money. They should love and respect them. When necessary, children should also help their parents when they get older, too, and not forsake them.

Thank God for parents who teach their children the right way when they are young. The Bible tells us that they will continue to walk that way and please God, in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”