Exodus 20:12

"Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long, in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee."

This Commandment V is bound upon mankind by apostolic authority. Paul said, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), that thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:1-3). Disobedience of people regarding this has been widespread in all ages. Even in the times of Christ, the keepers of the temple had concocted a device for enabling wealthy Hebrews to avoid giving the care and support to their parents which the Law of God commanded. This was called Corban, and this is explained and condemned by Jesus himself in Matthew 15:3-6.

Our own generation is no exception. A governor of the state of Colorado said during the summer of 1984 that "the principle duty of old people is to die and get out of the way of the younger generation." This was widely publicized, nor did the governor even have the grace to make an exception of his own father and mother. Certainly, that is a very common view in America at this stage of history, and very regrettable. The youth of every generation sorely need the wisdom and stability that only age can provide. Adolescent impatience and disrespect of the aged is both foolish and amusing. "If the race were advancing as rapidly as each new generation of adolescents believes, mankind would have long since passed through the gates of perfection."[18] The apparent gulf that separates some young people from their parents is merely a youthful fantasy, due to pass away in time, just like acne. Five things are promised to those who obey and honor their parents: "These are: (1) grace in the present life and glory in the life to come; (2) long life upon the earth; (3) grateful and pleasing children; (4) a good name; and (5) material wealth."[19]

This commandment protects the home. The home is the basic building block of civilization. And if there is ever to be a better world, it must begin with better homes. The home is the place where the young human must learn to accept and honor authority. And if he does not do so in the home, he becomes a troublemaker in school, and soon graduates to the police court. The beginning of all law and order lies right here in Commandment V.

Our very civilization today is under attack by all the forces of evil, and the home is primarily the focus of that attack. The young should realize what they have to lose if they join with the forces dedicated its destruction.

"That home, with which they are inclined to be so impatient, is under stress which never existed before. It is quite possible to explain to young people, so that they gladly become a part of the crew in the little ship upon the stormy sea, instead of being merely passengers."[20]

The honoring of father and mother is the divine order, not merely for children and young people, but for all people. Those Pharisees whom Jesus condemned for their godless neglect of this commandment, were in no sense "young people," but the leaders of the Jewish nation (Matthew 15:5-6).

Let intelligent youth join hands with venerable age, and, together, it may be, they shall be able to slay the dragon that threatens to devour the world. Separately and alone, neither youth nor age can do it. Together, with God through Christ, an overwhelming victory can be achieved. It is not too late, but time is running short. The tides of evil are rising on every side, and the winds of lawlessness and chaos are rising to hurricane pitch. If the home, as God intended it, is lost, society may well degenerate into a condition heretofore believed impossible. God grant, therefore, that the home may be made to stand.