Jesus is quoted in Luke 18:20 saying; “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’”

Jesus lists some of the Ten Commandments when answering the question of the rich young ruler. Who nowadays thinks of not ‘honoring their parents’ the same as murder and adultery and stealing? Yet that is exactly how God sees it.

The commandment is not ‘conditional’ based on the performance of mom and dad.

Just like adultery is not conditional based on the behavior of my spouse and stealing is not conditional based on my financial challenges, honoring my mother and father is not conditional.

This is a ‘commandment’ and Paul reminds us that this one has a promise, “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:3)