While married couples and parents have responsibilites to fulfill that is laid out in scripture, children do as well. Children are called to obey their parents, which is to reflect the children of God being obedient to their heavenly Father. They are not to question or reason why they are told what to do, but they are to honor and obey, understanding that their parents know what is best. Days can be lengthened or shortened based on whether or not children obey. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 5:16 says, “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.” The Apostle Paul indicates that this is the first commandment in scripture with promise, meaning that it is a type of covenant. When children choose to obey their parents, then God’s blessings and favor will come upon them. If they choose to disobey, then they will be cursed. Therefore, it is important for children not to live a life of rebellion, stubborness, and confusion, but rather obey in honor and humility.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21 says, “18If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” Aren’t you glad you were not living during the days of Moses? Because you are under grace or you are over 16 does not mean you have the right to dishonor or disregard your parents. We are called to honor our parents no matter what! Proverbs 30:17 says, “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” Do not mock or “roll your eyes” at your parents because it only brings a curse on your life. Submit to them in love and appreciation for all that they do for you!

No matter what age that a person reaches, he or she is still to honor his or her parents. Matthew 15:4-6 says, “4For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” According to this scripture, children who did not want to support parents used tradition as an excuse to evade the law. They would enter into a deal with a corrupt priest for a small percent to dedicate things to God which should go to parents. They then could claim them to be God’s and not their own. Thus, they would be free from any obligation to parents (Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, p. 16*). In other words, you never become too old or super spiritual to honor, support, and obey parents. In the same way parents cared for their children when they were born, children should care for their parents when they get older, regardless of how busy their schedule may be. Children should always obey their parents, knowing that as they do unto them, they are also doing unto God, meaning that He will receive the glory through it all!