The Fifth Commandment

(Exodus 20:12) "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

To honor one's parents implies obedience, submission, and respect. Obedience and submission is a necessary part of a child's healthy development. While obedience requires outward adherence to rules and commands, submission deals with the inward attitude and willingness towards those giving the commands.

(Matthew 18:3-4) "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

The command is not limited only to the "young" or "dependent" child, but also applies to an adult child. An important element of honor is respecting and caring for our parents. (John 19:26-27) "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

Observance of this commandment is critical. It is through this command that a child begins to develop faith, obeying without fully understanding why. Most importantly, if a child can learn to trust his parents without always understanding, he begins building the foundations for trusting God.