When a nation rejects God, some professing Christians accept cultural values while maintaining a “form of godliness” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
One example is the increasing number of “Christians” who are neglecting or rejecting parents. Some of these adults are simply ignoring God's commands because they're selfish and inconsiderate. Others are fabricating “Scriptural” reasons to cut off or marginalize their parents. This is one reason teachings like Boundaries have become so popular.(1)
If you do a Google search about adult children neglecting or rejecting parents, you’ll find the majority of articles blame parents. This means most younger adults are mature and unselfish and most older adults are not. Of course, this isn't true.
I call it “the gospel according to Absalom” because Absalom is the “patron degenerate” of this attitude (2 Samuel 13-19). He may have had some reasons to be disappointed in his father’s conduct, but he thought he had the right to dishonor and punish his father, King David. See Absalom - Playing God for more details.
If we aren't honoring our parents, we aren't honoring God. It's a very basic test of faith. Sadly, we’re hearing very little from the church about this problem which is succinctly described in Proverbs 30:11-14 and clearly addressed in Ephesians 6:2-3, 1 Timothy 5:4, and Matthew 15:3-9.
(1) For an example of the Boundaries focus, see Blame Your Mom.
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Pertinent Scripture verses:
Specific to our relationship with our parents:
Passages that apply to all relationships, but are often disregarded when it comes to parents:
Philippians 1:2-4 - In verses 3 and 4 of this passage, I encourage you to replace “others” with “parents” and ask yourself if you are obeying this command.
Note: Children who have been physically or sexually abused by parents must seek godly Christian counsel in handling their adult relationship with their parents.
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