Text: 1 Samuel 19:1-10
Memory text:
“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29 NKJV
God instructs us to obey and commands us to honour our parents according to Ephesians 6:1-2. The key words are ‘obey’ and ‘honour’.
In this context, obedience is an instruction and not a commandment. Obedience is not absolute. Disobedience is allowed when the demand of a parent is in opposition to the word of God. For example, a parent who demanded that his daughter must obey his will to marry an unbeliever must be disobeyed.
Obedience is in conduct, but honour is in principle. Obedience involves performing actions and following instructions. True honour comes from upholding godly values and principles, not just performing actions out of duty.
Honouring involves esteeming, valuing, and respecting someone. It’s absolute. God does not approve us to dishonour our parents under any condition, and He regards it as a rebellion to His authority. Even in disobedience, we must honour them. In other words, in divine protocols, you can honour without obeying, but you can’t obey without honouring.
Obedience can be given or withdrawn depending on what is being asked, but honour is a personal commitment to values that don’t change based on convenience.
Knowing that his father, king Saul’s grouse with David was just out of jealousy, Jonathan stood to protect David from the bitter sword of his father, risking his life many times. Even though he disobeyed him, directly going against his father’s orders, yet he never disrespected or dishonoured him. Rather, he showed him love and remained by his side, even fighting alongside him in battle! This shows that honoring someone doesn’t always mean blind obedience, especially when their actions go against righteousness or God’s will.
There are other examples of people who disobeyed human authorities when those authorities commanded something against God’s will. The Hebrew midwives, the three Hebrew men, Daniel and the Apostles (Exo 1:16-19; Dan 3:16-18, 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20). However, even in disobedience, they maintained a posture of honour. Daniel still spoke respectfully to the king, and David refused to dishonor Saul despite Saul’s corruption.
Friends, even though you have God’s backing to disobey ungodly demands of your parents or the elders, never act with dishonour, lest it attract divine displeasure.
Today’s declarations
1. Father, please, help me to honour my parents, even when I have reasons to disobey them, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, deliver me from the tendency to be proud, rude, and disrespectful in my relationship with my parents, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I will never indulge in blind obedience when I am honouring my parents and the elders.
2. God allows us to resist wrongful commands but never to act with dishonour.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng