HONOUR YOUR PARENTS

 

By Evang. Taiye Ajayi

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." — Exodus 20:12

Praise God!

One of the greatest principles God established from the beginning is the principle of honor. God is a God of order, and wherever His order is respected, His blessings flow. One of the first authorities God places over every person is parents. Through them, God releases love, guidance, correction, protection, and blessings.

There is a grace that parents release over the lives of their children. Many people pray for breakthroughs without realizing that dishonoring their parents can hinder the blessings God desires to give them. Parents are instruments God uses to release unusual grace into our lives. When their blessings are withheld because of persistent dishonor, life often becomes unnecessarily difficult.

Let us look at some examples from Scripture.

Ham and Noah

After the flood, Noah planted a vineyard, drank from its wine, and became drunk. He lay uncovered inside his tent (Genesis 9:20–27). Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and instead of protecting his father's dignity, he went outside and mocked him by telling his brothers.

Shem and Japheth responded differently. They took a garment, walked backward into the tent, and covered their father without looking at his nakedness. They chose honor instead of disgrace.

When Noah awoke and learned what had happened, he pronounced a curse upon Canaan, Ham's son, while blessing Shem and Japheth.

This account teaches us that honor attracts blessing, while dishonor attracts consequences. Even when parents have weaknesses or make mistakes, God expects us to treat them with respect.

Reuben Lost His Birthright

Another example is Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. As the eldest son, Reuben was entitled to the birthright, leadership, and a double portion of the inheritance. However, because he dishonored his father by sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22), he lost the privileges that belonged to him.

Before Jacob died, he declared over Reuben:

"Unstable as water, you shall not excel..." (Genesis 49:3–4).

Those words changed the course of Reuben's future. His father's pronouncement showed the weight that parental blessings and parental words carry.

Whether biological or spiritual, parents carry a God-given authority. A sincere word of blessing from them can remain upon a person's life for generations.

Honor Always Attracts Blessing

Scripture is filled with examples of honor bringing blessing.

One beautiful example is Ruth. Although her husband died, she remained loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Instead of abandoning her, Ruth chose to serve and honor her.

Because of her honor and loyalty, God directed her steps to Boaz, who later became her husband. Ruth's life changed completely, and she became part of the lineage through which the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world.

Honor may not produce immediate results, but it always produces lasting rewards.

A Lesson God Personally Taught Me

Permit me to share a personal experience.

Some years ago, God was taking me through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. The training was painful, and I felt overwhelmed. Looking back today, I understand that God was not trying to destroy me; He was building me.

Whenever God allows us to pass through difficult seasons, His purpose is to refine our character, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for greater assignments. Therefore, remain in the place of God's training.

At that time, I became frustrated and decided to leave home. I planned to relocate from Lagos to Abuja to start a new life.

Before I left, my father said to me, "Sit down here in Lagos."

Instead of listening, I argued and left.

I never reached Abuja.

When I got to Ibadan in Oyo State, everything I had with me was stolen. I became stranded for five days without money, shelter, or direction. To survive, I sold sachet water on the streets.

In my brokenness, I cried to God for mercy.

Then the Lord spoke clearly to my heart:

"You have broken the order."

He reminded me of His Word:

"Honor your father and your mother, so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2–3).

At that moment I understood that I had stepped outside God's divine order. By His mercy, He made a way for me to return to Lagos. I stayed, submitted, and waited.

When God's appointed time came for me to leave, I did not force the door open. God opened it Himself.

That experience changed my understanding forever.

Conclusion

Dear friends, if you truly desire for life to go well with you, learn to honor your parents.

Honor is more than polite words. It means respecting them, listening to wise counsel, caring for them, praying for them, and obeying them whenever their instructions do not contradict God's Word.

God often speaks through the authorities He places in our lives. When we honor them, we position ourselves for divine favor and protection.

Remember this truth:

Honor attracts blessings. Dishonor attracts consequences.

May God give us humble hearts that honor our parents, both biological and spiritual. As our obedience becomes complete, may the Lord release His grace, fight our battles, establish us, and cause it to go well with us all the days of our lives.

God bless you.