“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
(Deuteronomy 5:16 ESV)
What a weighty commandment. I find it interesting that God did not say "that your days may be many", as in a long life. Since we believe life is good before God, we should want to live long on the earth. Instead God says "may be long." Having parents, like having children, can lead to some very long days. But then, long days are the days of summer, when we have longer to enjoy them. There is a distinct quality of life that goes with this commandment. God puts it right after our relationship with Him and BEFORE the ones on murder, stealing, violating marriage, etc. Honoring our parents does not necessarily make us want to live long on the earth like they have; we may even hope to never live that long. But it does reflect our attitude toward God and the life He has given us. It is the recognition that He has given us life and all the relationships it involves, and He has the best plan. May we honor well.
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