The fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) is rapidly being forgotten in our society. We see a great need for the re-emphasis of God's law.

1. The Fifth Commandment's Unique Position In The Decalogue
We have often noted that the Ten Commandments are divided into two tables. The first deals with our duty toward God and the second with our duty toward man (Mark 12:28-31). At first glance the fifth commandment seems to merely be the first law dealing with our responsibility toward man. A little reflection however will reveal that the fifth commandment is unique in that it holds a transitional position between the two tables.
In honoring our parents we are honoring the authority of Almighty God as it is delegated to man. The fifth commandment actually deals with man’s attitude toward God-given authority. The most ancient and basic form of this is that manifested in parenthood. In honoring our parents we are bowing to the Lord who instituted and authorized the family. Consider that God himself is revealed as our "Father" (Matthew 6:9).
Consider also that synecdoche was used in the writing of the Ten Commandments. This is a literary device in which a part represents the whole. Understanding this we learn that the fifth commandment covers our duty to honor all lawful authority. Other forms of God given authority are:
a. Civil Government (Romans 13:1-3). We speak of our leaders as city, state, and national Fathers. Disrespect for authority is a mark of wickedness (II Peter 2:10-11).
(1) Employers - Titus 2:9-10
(2) Ordained Elders - Hebrews 13:7
(3) The Elderly are to be treated with due respect (Leviticus 19:32).

2. The Duties Implied In The Fifth Commandment
a. Respect - A failure to honor parents is an assault on God's honor. As parents in a society cease to demand and receive respect so we find that teachers, police and others in authority likewise find that they are not respected. The breakdown in family government leads to chaos in society. Sadly it sometimes seems that governments attempt to undermine the family. Little do they realize that this is to undermine all lawful authority.
b. Obedience - (Ephesians 6:1-4, Jeremiah 35:18-19, Luke 2:51).
Obedience to parents is the most basic form of human government. Obedience to parents also teaches a child how to submit to God. A child's first impression of what God is like should come from the loving firmness of their human father. The child who is not made to obey parents will find it all the more difficult to bow to God.
Let this be an admonition to parents. Basic respect for God begins with respect for parents.
(Because the authority of parents, government, pastors, etc comes from God it cannot go contrary to His Word. No one has the right to enforce disobedience toward God. There is a chain of command but God is supreme over every link -- Acts 5:29, Matthew 10:37).
c. Attention To Instruction - (Proverbs 1:8)
Good parents not only have more experience than their children but they also have their best interests at heart. Children honor their parents by paying heed to their instructions. May we as parents take seriously our duty to carefully teach our children (Deuteronomy).
d. Care For Sick, Aged, or Needy Parents - I Timothy 5:4
e. Gratitude - Proverbs 31:28
f. Care Not To Harm Parents - The abuse of parents is an outrage. Note in Exodus 21:15&17 what God thinks of this. Let us also recall that foolish children often break the hearts of parents. This is a fool's work (Proverbs 10:1 & 30:17).

3. The Promise - Ephesians 6:1-3
Paul notes that this is the first commandment with promise. There are various applications of this promise:
a. Israel as a nation enjoyed peace and prosperity as they obeyed God. Rebellion brought war, invasion, and captivity. The judgment of nations seems especially connected with the decline of family values. A breakdown in family government destroys the stability of society.
b. The physical well-being of children often depends on their obedience to parents (Proverbs 30:7). How many have shortened their lives by turning a deaf ear to parental rebuke.

4. Reflections Upon The Use Of This Commandment
a. May we often consider the importance of the family. Two of the Ten Commandments were given to protect its sanctity.
b. As parents let us take seriously the duty of being good parents. We truly represent God in this position.
c. Each of God's laws show us our need of a Saviour. Who does not see that they have often failed to honor their parents as they should.