Pastor Chris Oyakhilome explains that in a world that often encourages independence at the cost of values, the timeless truth found in Ephesians 6:1–3 stands as a divine instruction with a promise:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.’” (Ephesians 6:1–3, NKJV)
This scripture reveals that honoring one’s father and mother is not merely a cultural expectation or good moral behavior—it is a commandment from God that is directly tied to well-being, peace, and longevity. At Christ Embassy, we embrace and teach the principles of God’s Word as keys to victorious living. And this divine instruction about honoring parents holds transformative power for individuals, families, and nations.
The Commandment with a Promise
Among the Ten Commandments given to Moses, “Honor your father and mother” is the only one that comes with a specific promise: “that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth” (Exodus 20:12; reiterated in Ephesians 6:2–3). This alone should cause every believer to pay close attention.
The blessing attached to honoring your parents is twofold:
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Well-being – a life filled with peace, health, and divine favor.
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Longevity – a prolonged life on earth, sustained by God’s grace.
God did not attach such a promise to any other commandment. Why? Because the family is the foundational structure of society, and the way we treat our earthly parents is often a reflection of our reverence for God. When we learn to honor those who gave us life, we open ourselves up to receive greater spiritual truths and walk in divine alignment.
What Does It Mean to “Honor” Your Parents According to Pastor Chris?
Honor is more than obedience. While obedience is often expected during one’s youth, honor is a lifelong posture. It means:
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Showing respect and reverence both in words and actions.
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Valuing their presence and role in your life.
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Caring for them in their times of need.
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Speaking well of them, even when you may not agree with them.
Honoring your parents is not conditional. The Bible doesn’t say, “Honor them if they were perfect,” or “if they treated you a certain way.” It is a command rooted in principle, not performance. This doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or enabling unhealthy dynamics—it means choosing a posture of love, prayer, and respect as far as is possible and right in the Lord.
Pastor Chris: Why Honor Matters to God
Honoring one’s parents reflects a heart that is teachable, humble, and aligned with divine order. In Romans 13:1–2, Paul explains that all authority is from God, and to resist authority is to resist God Himself. Parents, as the first authorities in a child’s life, are instruments through which God shapes identity, discipline, and direction.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has often taught that walking in divine order sets you up for divine favor. When you disregard the authority structures God has put in place—starting with your parents—you step out of alignment with the flow of blessing.
This principle doesn’t end with the family. When you learn to honor your father and mother, it shapes how you honor pastors, leaders, and elders—creating a heart culture that God can entrust with more.
Honoring Your Parents as an Adult
Many assume that honoring your parents is only for children. But as adults, we’re called to continue honoring them by:
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Staying in touch and keeping communication open.
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Providing for them when they are in need (1 Timothy 5:8).
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Listening to their counsel, even if we choose differently.
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Thanking them for the sacrifices they made.
It’s never too late to begin honoring your parents. Whether they are alive or have passed on, your words, prayers, and actions can still reflect honor and gratitude. If there has been a history of hurt, God offers healing, and obedience to His Word can begin to mend even the deepest rifts.
A Lifestyle of Honor
Honor is a lifestyle that attracts God’s presence. When you choose to live with a heart of honor—toward your parents and all whom God has placed in your life—you position yourself to experience the fullness of the promise: “that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”
At PCLUSA, we encourage all believers to reflect on their relationship with their parents and ask: Am I walking in honor? The path to wholeness and blessing begins with the Word. And when we choose to align with it, we unlock spiritual doors that lead to joy, health, peace, and divine satisfaction.
Let us be doers of the Word.
Choose honor. Choose life. And let the promise of God be fulfilled in you.