But, What If...?

But, What If...?
The following is the Biblical commandment regarding how children are to regard their parents. The Word of God makes it quite clear that one is to treat his or her mother and father with deference and respect; they are to honor and love them in thought and in word and in deed.

This brings up the quandary in which one may then find himself if his parents, for some reason or another -- perhaps they use or deal drugs, perhaps they are violent toward one another and toward their children, perhaps they are alcoholics whose example is unworthy of respect -- perhaps they (and the unfortunate child may fill in the blank as to the failures and foibles of his mother and / or father.)

Are the offspring of such parents excused from their attitude and / or behavior toward them?

The Bible doesn't seem to supply such a loophole. The admonition to honor ones parents does not seem to have any escape hatch.

How is the believing child who is desirous of being obedient to the commandment of the LORD to handle the unfortunate circumstance of finding himself required to honor someone who comports himself without honor?

At the top of the list perhaps is the child's faithfulness in praying for his errant father or mother. Just as people of faith are admonished to pray for those in authority over them (local, state, national leaders) regardless of their agreement or disagreement with their political agenda, so the believer is to pray for his parents.

It may be his prayers that the HOLY SPIRIT can use to turn the heart of flawed parents toward the HOLY ONE whose sacrifice can redeem the most vile among us when he falls on his knees at the cross.

The believing offspring also has the opportunity to live a life of faith before his ungodly parents. When he evidences the "joy of the LORD as his strength," when he displays "the peace of GOD that passes understanding," when he trusts in the faith that can "move mountains," when he extends "the love of GOD that never fails," he will be presenting an alternative to his father and mother that will have the potential to turn their lives around from the path that leads to perdition to the path that leads to forgiveness and transformation.

Will that be easy?

No, it will not be an effortless undertaking. In fact the believing child will find it necessary to lean fully on the LORD as he endeavors to live the life that will compel his parents to receive JESUS as their own personal SAVIOR.

And as he leans upon HIM, he will find that he indeed has power in his prayers and strength to overcome his weakness -- even as he is promised (I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13)