Children, Obey Your Parents in the Lord (First Commandment with a Promise)

Mia was a teenager with big dreams, a quick smile, and a habit of clashing with her parents. Like many kids, she often thought her mom and dad didn’t get her. “Why do they always tell me what to do?” she’d grumble, rolling her eyes when her mom asked her to clean her room or her dad insisted on a family dinner. But one summer, a story her grandmother shared changed everything.

One evening, as the sun dipped low, Mia sat with her Grandma Rosa on the porch. Rosa, with her warm eyes and worn Bible, loved telling stories that stuck with you. “Mia,” she began, “did you know there’s an ancient teaching that says honoring your parents can bring you a good, long life?” Mia raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “What’s that about, Grandma?”

Rosa smiled and told her about a wisdom from the Bible, a book of stories and teachings about life and love. Long ago, a teacher named Paul wrote a letter to a group of people, sharing a special instruction: kids should listen to their parents and treat them with respect because it’s the right thing to do. This wasn’t just a rule—it came with a promise. “If you honor your mom and dad,” Paul said, “things will go well for you, and you’ll live a long, full life.” Mia leaned in, curious. “A promise? Like, what kind?”

Grandma Rosa explained it through a story about a boy named Joseph, who lived thousands of years ago. Joseph’s dad asked him to check on his brothers, who were far away tending sheep. Even though his brothers were mean to him, Joseph went because he trusted his dad. Life got tough—his brothers betrayed him, and he ended up far from home. But somehow, through all the hardship, Joseph’s respect for his dad kept him grounded.

He worked hard, stayed kind, and eventually became a leader in a far-off land, living a long life filled with purpose. “His story,” Rosa said, “shows that listening to your parents can open doors to unexpected blessings.”

Mia thought about her own life. She remembered times she’d ignored her mom’s advice or snapped at her dad. But she also recalled moments when she listened—like when she helped her mom with groceries or joined her dad for a walk. Those times felt good, like they were building something special. “So, honoring them isn’t just about following orders?” Mia asked.

“Exactly,” Rosa said. “It’s about valuing them. Your parents aren’t perfect, but they’re your guides, chosen to help you grow. Honoring them means showing love and respect, even when it’s hard.” She shared ways Mia could do this: spending time with her parents, thanking them for little things, or helping out when they needed her. “Even small acts,” Rosa said, “can bring peace to your heart and open the door to a good life.”

Mia decided to try it. The next day, she surprised her mom by washing the dishes without being asked. She noticed her mom’s tired face light up with a smile. Later, she joined her dad to work on a family project, planting flowers in the backyard, laughing as they got dirt on their hands. It wasn’t always easy—sometimes they argued—but Mia felt a new kind of joy when she showed them respect. Over time, her family grew closer, and Mia felt stronger, like she was on a path to something good.

Grandma Rosa’s story stuck with Mia. She learned that honoring her parents wasn’t just about rules; it was about building love and trust. The ancient promise—about a life that goes well and lasts long—felt real. Mia didn’t know what her future held, but she knew that small acts of kindness toward her parents were like seeds, growing into a life filled with hope.

Next section is a Bible study on the topic.Want to learn more about this commandment from the Lord? Read on..

The Bible, a collection of ancient writings about faith and life, offers timeless wisdom for building strong relationships. One of its most cherished teachings is about honoring parents. This instruction, found in both the Old and New Testaments, isn’t just a rule—it’s a guide to a fulfilling life, carrying a special promise of well-being and longevity. Let’s explore this teaching, its meaning, and how it applies to us today, even if you’re new to the Bible.

The Teaching: Obey and Honor Your Parents

In a letter to early Christians, a teacher named Paul wrote:

“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).

This teaching echoes one of the Ten Commandments, a set of foundational rules given to the ancient Israelites:

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).

What does this mean? The Bible says children should listen to their parents’ guidance (“obey”) and show them respect (“honor”).

Obedience means following their instructions, like doing chores or studying hard. Honoring goes deeper—it’s about valuing parents as important people in your life, even when you disagree. This teaching isn’t just for kids; it applies to adults too, as a way to strengthen family bonds.

Why It’s Special: The Promise of Blessings

This commandment stands out because it comes with a promise: if you honor your parents, “it may go well with you” and you’ll “enjoy long life.” In the Bible, promises are God’s assurances of good things, often tied to how we live. Here, the promise is twofold:

• Well-Being: Honoring parents invites God’s favor, leading to a life of purpose and peace, even through challenges.

• Long Life: While not a guarantee for everyone, respecting parents often fosters habits—like listening to wise advice—that contribute to a full, healthy life.

This is the first of the Ten Commandments with a clear promise attached, making it a cornerstone of family life in biblical teaching.

A Biblical Example: Joseph’s Story

To understand this promise, consider Joseph, a young man from the Bible’s book of Genesis. His father asked him to check on his brothers, who were tending sheep far away (Genesis 37:13-14). Despite knowing his brothers didn’t like him, Joseph obeyed. His life took a hard turn—his brothers betrayed him, and he was sold into slavery. Yet, Joseph’s respect for his father and his faith kept him strong. Over time, he rose to become a leader in Egypt, living to 110 years old and even caring for his parents in their old age (Genesis 50:26; 47:11-12). Joseph’s story shows how honoring parents, even in tough times, can lead to unexpected blessings.

What Does “In the Lord” Mean?

The phrase “obey your parents in the Lord” from Ephesians 6:1 means submitting to your parents’ guidance while keeping your faith in God at the center.

We are called first to obey God, as Jesus showed us an example in Philippians 2:8:

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Following this, we should honor and obey our parents. However, since parents are not perfect, if they ask you to do something contrary to God’s will—such as lying or causing harm—you can respectfully decline, choosing actions that align with love and truth.

For instance, if your father asks you to buy him cigarettes, knowing it harms his health, you might respond with wisdom and care: “Father, I love you and want what’s best for you, so please don’t ask me to do this.” This approach honors both God and your parent.

Even Jesus, who was perfect, submitted to his imperfect parents as a young child at the age of 12, as noted in Luke 2:51:

“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.”

This balance shows respect for both your parents and your values.

Practical Ways to Honor Parents

Honoring parents isn’t just about following rules; it’s about building love and respect. Here are some ways to live this out:

• Spend Time Together: Join your mom for a walk or help your dad with a home project, like fixing a fence.

• Show Gratitude: Write a note thanking your parents for something specific, like their support during a tough time.

• Help When Needed: Offer to cook dinner or drive them to an appointment, especially if they’re unwell.

• Listen Respectfully: Even if you disagree, hear them out calmly to show you value their perspective.

• Celebrate Them: Surprise them with a small gift, like a favorite snack, on their birthday.

These actions, big or small, create strong bond with your parents and reflect the Bible’s call to honor.

Parents are God-given mentors

The Bible teaches that parents are God-given mentors, helping us navigate life. Honoring them builds trust and love in families, which benefits everyone. Even if your relationship with your parents is strained, small acts of kindness—like praying for them or helping from afar—can make a difference. The promise of a good, long life isn’t just about years; it’s about living with purpose, surrounded by meaningful connections.

Share your story!

Take a moment today to show your parents you care—perhaps by helping with a task or expressing your gratitude. If your parents have passed, honor them by sharing their wisdom with others. Start with a small gesture, and you may discover the joy this timeless act brings.

Share your ideas in the comments below—I’d love to hear them, along with our blog community. If your story inspires, we may feature it in an upcoming post, and I’ll reach out to let you know.