Honoring our Parents

At some point in growing up -- we transfer the reverence and honor for our parents to the reverence and honor of God. Will this transfer be made lovingly or grudgingly -- or NEVER? The healthy fear of authoritative figures goes back to the example set by our parents. Parents want respect and honor and we are commanded to display these things. Is there a time to disobey and rebel? Say for instance, a boy is shopping with his Dad and the checker returns too much change for the items purchased. The son brings it to the attention of the Dad. Clearly, the Dad makes a snide remark, "The money's mine now." Should the son pursue the subject and maybe receive a backhand for his observations??? Should the son return to the store and tell the manager. When the boy grows into a personal relationship with Christ -- will he wonder if Christ tells little white lies and cheats people out of money. Could give so many other examples -- far worse scenarios than this. I believe we are truly held responsible for the corruption of one innocent child -- if we aided in that situation!

Children honor their parents their entire lives. Maybe even more so as offspring take on caretaker roles.

Wow, some good points there. Should children only honor 'honorable' parents? Should make for an interesting discussion...

What does 'honoring' include?

definitions on the web:

Honour (or honor) is the concept of a direct relation between one's virtues (or "values") and their status within society. Accordingly, individuals are assigned worth and stature based on a harmony between their own code of honour and that of the society at large.

the quality of being honorable and having a good name; "a man of honor"

respect: show respect towards; "honor your parents!"

a Primary Principle and prime virtue, is the feeling and the expression of admiration, respect, or esteem accorded to another as a right or as due. Honor refers to virtue, purity, a keen sense of ethical conduct, and integrity. We honor God as Personality, but are loyal to God as Principle

Therefore, we can show respect for the personhood of our parents if not their actions and still be obeying the commandment?

I do believe that our actions many times speak much louder to our children then our words! Sometimes when your child is just at the age when you have to pay adult price as opposed to free or a childs admission. They stand there and look up at you as they know they just celebrated their 12th birthday and you claim they are still 11. What message does this send to your child? When they sit next to you on the couch and hear you call into work that you are sick and then you go out to eat. Our children are thermometers for our integrity.

I do believe that we are expected to honor our parents even if we feel they are not honorable. I feel sometimes God will take us in place our nature would not go comfortably!! From experience I know this is possible!! We do serve a mighty God and through HIM all things are indeed possible.

Thank you for this opportunity to read, search and grow in the Lord. This is very well organized and really interesting. God bless each of you in your efforts!!!