Young People's Group

The Challenge to Respect Our Parents in Practical Ways

by Mitchell Tan
February 17, 2017

HONOURING OUR PARENTS

In this world today, there are young people who have no regard for their parents or grandparents. They neither respect nor honour them. Recently, there was a story reported in the news of how an elderly man from the United States, who was suffering from dementia, was left behind by his wife and son while on holiday in the UK. They abandoned him in a car park of a supermarket and flew home without him. They consider this as “granny-dumping”. That is so sad. This is of course totally opposite to what the Lord commands in His word.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”
Exodus 20:12

This command was part of the Ten Commandments, which continues to be applicable to us today. We are to honour our parents at all times because the Lord will bring a special blessing to those who do (Ephesians 6:1-2).

LEARNING TO CARE FOR OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

“But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn …”
1 Timothy 5:4

The apostle Paul applied this commandment with reference to those who had widows in the family. The immediate family, rather than the Church, should first honour them by looking after them. There are three reasons why we should do this.

1. BECAUSE IT DEMONSTRATES FILIAL PIETY

“… To show piety at home …”
1 Timothy 5:4

The word “piety” in the Greek has the idea of being “dutiful”. While we may learn to honour those who are in the Christian family (1 Timothy 5:1), we must not forget to show filial piety at home. There should be this sense of purpose in wanting to show special respect for own family members. Children and grandchildren are meant to learn this important principle of honouring their parents by taking care of them.

2. BECAUSE WE ARE PAYING A DEBT TO OUR PARENTS

“… And to repay their parents …”
1 Timothy 5:4

Most parents and grandparents would have spent much time in raising us up. A tremendous amount of effort would have been spent in looking after us. Parents would also sacrifice much for our sakes. We should be indebted to them for what they have done for us. We should repay the debt that we owe our parents and grandparents by seeking to care for them.

3. BECAUSE IT PLEASES THE LORD

“… For this is good and acceptable before God.”
1 Timothy 5:4

When we honour our parents and grandparents in practical ways, the Lord is most pleased. There should be this consciousness that the Lord is omniscient and sees the kind of heart that we have with regard to our family members. The Lord God considers filial acts of love and care as good and acceptable in His sight. Young people, let’s learn to honour and respect our parents and grandparents. Let’s learn to love and care for them. The Lord is well-pleased when we do this.

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