Sunday, May 9, is Mothers’ Day. The Bible speaks highly of those women who have been blessed by God to bear children. For this meditation, the focus is not to praise mothers but to instruct children. The concept of honoring mothers should not be an annual event; it should occur daily.

Ephesians 6:1 instructs children to obey their parents. Obedience is mentioned before honor (Eph. 6:2). It is not possible to honor if there is not obedience. Obedience is an action while honor is the product of attitude. Children are expected to obey their mother.  Jesus obeyed His mother (Lk. 2:51). Excuses have been made throughout time by individuals who did not obey their mothers. The command of Scripture and example of our Savior indicate that God expects obedience.

The Bible dictates that mothers (and fathers) be honored. The principle is so basic that it is included in the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:12). Honor extends past obedience. Jesus Christ honored His mother when He commended her care to John at His crucifixion (Jn. 19:26, 27). Her continued participation with His disciples in Acts 1 would suggest that the believers were assisting her in His absence. Certainly they had noticed His provision and care for His mother.

Ephesians 6:3 records that God gives a promise of long life to those who honor their mother and father. A close examination reveals that the promise is not just to obtain a long life but a blessed life (“that it may be well with thee”). No Christian would desire a long life of misery. The blessings of God are what bring joy to our existence!

Multiple reasons exist to obey and honor our mothers. Perhaps Paul summarized it best at the end of Eph. 6:1 when he stated: “for this is right”. As Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to preach, “Do right!”