When it comes to honoring our parents as adults, a lot of times people shrug it off thinking “I’m too old for that stuff now – You know, obeying and honoring my folks.” I’m “of age” or married or whatever. Therefore, I don’t need that commandment anymore.
But, umm, excuse me, yes you do. The commandment does not go away. No matter how old you are. Or how old your parents are. It simply looks a little different than it used to. Maybe honoring your parents no longer means piping out “yes ma’am” when she asks you to take out the garbage — or maybe it does! Maybe it doesn’t mean that you still have a curfew — or maybe it should. Perhaps it no longer implies that you have to call every time you arrive at a destination — or perhaps it would be truly honoring your mother if you continued to do that. Maybe it means calling them, loving them, worshiping with them, eating meals together frequently, having them live in your home, mowing their grass every week, doing the housecleaning, driving them to appointments, bringing them to Bible study — I don’t know. Each family is different. And of course familial honor will look a little different from family to family. It’s in your conversation, in your actions, and in your heart.
The point is honoring your parents according to God’s revealed wisdom for you and your family. Yes, it does change with your age, their age, living situations, marriage status… of course it must.
But still honor your parents.
It is a biblical command.
And it is beautiful.
So for those with especially aging parents, Mrs. Wilson has an excellent new post — please check it out and consider how you may “first learn piety at home” and honor your parents of the older age. What a wonderful reminder!