# Honor your father and your mother
*2015-03-05*

> Bill Young reflects on the Fourth Commandment from Exodus 20:12, discussing the importance of honoring parents and the elderly in a modern society that often overlooks them.

## The Call to Honor

Today is Friday of the second week of Lent. We are reading from The Way of Faith 2015, and today's reading is Exodus 20:12, which states: 'Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God has given to you.'

My own parents passed away many years ago, but I still honor my wife's mother and all her family members. This is very important nowadays, as the younger generation may think people of my age are outdated or out of touch. However, if they would only listen to our advice, it might save them a lot of heartache.

## The Struggle of Modern Care

In many cultures around the world, the elderly are revered and remain part of the family and the household through their last days. In our society, for a host of reasons, many elderly parents do not receive the loving care and attention they need. As adults with aging parents, we often struggle to find ways to continue honoring them throughout their lives. Behind all the loving options we consider is the overall attitude necessary to carry out this commandment.

## A Reciprocal Love

When we remember that God has given us life, our natural response is to give thanks. When we remember the very life that streams through our vessels, how can we do anything but be respectful to our parents? God always demands special care for the vulnerable. When we were helpless babies and growing children, our parents cared for us and guided us. As they become elderly and vulnerable, our honor reciprocates the care that we once received—the care God expects from all of His children toward one another.

## The Source of Honor

The reason for the honor named in this commandment is not specifically rooted in old age. Rather, it is rooted in the loving Creator, whose love flows out through His creations, through our hearts, to our parents, our children, and all people.

*Honoring our parents is a reflection of the love of the Creator and a reciprocal act of care for those who once cared for us.*