Exodus 20: 12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." 

Paul states in Ephesians 6:2 that this is the first commandment with a promise. A promise of prolonged days. A promise of life in the land of promise.  The first 4 commandments concern our relationship with the Lord.  The last 6 have to do with our relationships with each other.  It is significant that this command is given prominence... for our relationships within the family are foundational.  

What does it mean to us personally, what can we learn from this?

Leviticus 19:3 states, " Every one of you shall reverence his mother and his father...."  Reverence indicates a holy fear.  A deep respect.  Honor - means to speak well of; to bless or praise.  This is a relationship of great value and importance in God's eyes.  It is to be protected and held sacred.  If the family structure is corrupted, there is no hope for the community or the nation.  It starts here. If a child does not learn respect for his parents, he will have no respect for anyone or anything else. Just looking at the daily newspaper or news on television proves that this is true!

Jesus blasted the Pharisees and scribes for transgressing this commandment for the sake of their "traditions".   They were teaching the people to NOT honor their father or mother, instead giving their money to God-( but really to the religious leaders).    "And thus you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition."   Mark added, ".. you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother..."   Even grown-up children have an obligation to honor and care for their parents.  This is more important than any other responsibility - even in giving to God!  It's that important to the Lord. We should be encouraging each other to be responsible for our parents, especially those who are elderly or in need. No matter what!

In Ephesians Paul tells children to obey their parents in the Lord, " for this is right".  In Colossians 3:20 he says that this is "well-pleasing to the Lord." It is God's will for children to obey their parents "in the LORD".  We don't have to question whether or not to obey, as long as we know our parents are walking with the Lord. ( It doesn't mean we should blindly obey parents who have evil intentions.)  But, clearly Paul is teaching here that part of what it means to honor our parents is obedience. 

Proverbs 6:20-23 " My son observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck, when you walk about they will guide you; when you sleep they will watch over you; and when you awake they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life."  Godly parents who lead their children in the ways of the Lord and who teach their children the Truth of God's Word - equip their children for life.  To bring up our children, taking them to church, encouraging them to learn Bible verses, talking to them about Jesus every day - leading them to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord - these are honorable parents.

To sum it up:
The proper parent-child relationship is vital in God's opinion!
This relationship is to be protected and cherished all life long !
Obedience is God's will!
Obedience is essential and rewarding.

Father in heaven,  You are our perfect Father .  We are thankful for that truth.  We give You our reverence and honor.  We bless Your holy Name.  Teach us to carefully walk in Your ways.  To be obedient children, to please You in all respects.   Help us to be godly examples for our children and grand-children, and our great - grandchildren.  May they honor their parents in the Lord.  May those who are raising children now teach Your commands and show them Your path that they might have life.  Eternal life.  Let us not waste time on lesser things.  May men of God rise up to be the fathers that they need to be.  Our nation is in dire need for godly men to be honorable fathers.  May it be so, by Your Grace and Power, to the honor and glory of Your Name. Amen