The promise of a long life is given to those who faithfully honour their earthly parents. Long life is a blessing from God. Not everyone has the blessing of a long life, this is why we ought to use the time that God has given us for His glory. All children are under the authority of their parents. Not every child has the blessing of being brought up by their natural father and mother. If you are reading this and you belong to an adopted family then this still applies to you as your adopted father and mother are your lawful parents, just like those who are brought up by their natural parents.

Authority is given by God. No one has natural authority in and of themselves. Authority is something that is given by God. Parents have lawful authority over their children given to them by God. Therefore children ought to honour their parents as unto the Lord. Parents are the lawful representatives of God’s authority. Parents ought to use their God-given authority for good and not misuse their authority. Obeying godly wisdom and instruction from parents is important. Not only does this bring honour to God and parents, but it is for the growth and protection of children. There must be a denial of self to follow this commandment of God. Denying self-will and desires is at the heart of godly obedience.

The most superior position of authority within the family are husbands and fathers. Under him are mothers and wives and then the children. All are under the authority of God. Those who are equal are the children born into the family. They all have duties and responsibilities to each other. Let us now address these duties and responsibilities.

Firstly, the duties of children to their parents. Children are called by God to have both an inward and outward honour to Him and those who have lawful authority over them. They are to diligently heed the wisdom and instruction of their parents. They are called to walk in obedience to their parent’s lawful commands and bear with good grace their reproof and correction. By doing so they will follow their parent’s reasonable counsel. This ought to result in grateful kindness towards their parents for the protection and guidance given.

In order for parents to be a good example they also have duties to their children. Parents are called by God to show tender love and care for their offspring. They are to teach and train their children in the ways of God and pray for them. They do this by keeping them under loving subjection while they are young. Parents ought to encourage their children, not provoke them to wrath, provide for their needs and protect them from harm.

The father and mother, husband and wife also have duties to each other. They are to love each other above and beyond any other person. They are to be loyal and faithful to each other. It is important that they have reverence for each other and care about offending each other. They ought to care to please each other and help bear each other’s burdens. As the husband is the chief authority in the home each member of the family ought to submit to him in all things that are lawful under Christ. The family is the bedrock of a good society. If the family unit is destroyed then the fabric of society is under attack. This is why the family is so important. The future of nations depends on the family. As we go about our day let us think about the importance of the family. Let us ponder the following questions. Do we honour the lawful authority God has given to parents? Are we submitting to the authority God has given? Husbands and fathers, do you seek daily to be a good example to your family? Wives and mothers, do you seek daily to be a godly witness to your family? Children, do you walk in obedience to your parents with gladness?