Pastor John,
I have a question about honoring parents. The Lord has been allowing me to see my mother’s moral state better than I ever have. I see her largely as a bad influence who is also my mom. (Our relationship has always been distant and strange, so I don’t think I understand “mom” like most people do anyway.) For two months recently, I thought it would be good for me not to talk to her; connecting with her feels like spiritual chains. I don’t want to ignore God’s commandment (which comes with a promise), or be cruel, yet talking with her as often as it seems she’d like feels like forcing myself to keep a bad acquaintance. J– and I are praying about our relationships with our earthly family. What does it mean to honor one’s parents?
Thank you,
B–
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B&J,
That is not the commandment, atvin least, not as Paul gave it to us (in Ephesians 5:1?) The commandment is “Children, honor your parents IN THE LORD”. You must be led by the Lord in all your relationships, even with your mother and father. Custom of the culture or the expectations of people cannot be the determining factor. According to everything the gospel teaches, you will please people only if you displease God. But if you please God and displease people, expect to be misunderstood and maligned. Such persecution comes with the honor of hearing from and following Him.
jdc