Whenever we see a moral and spiritual decline in society, one of the contributing factors to such apostasy is disobedience to parents. Paul lists this as one of the characteristics of the Gentile world prior to the call of Abram (Rom. 1:30). He also tells Timothy that during the last days of this present dispensation “perilous times will come;” times during which men will be “disobedient to parents” (2 Tim. 3:2).
Proverbs 30:12-14 describes a generation that is “pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness.” If we look back at verse 11 of this same passage, we find one of the contributing factors to such an evil generation.
“There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother.” (Prov. 30:11)
The family clearly has a tremendous influence on society as a whole. Children who grow up disobedient and disrespectful of their parents’ authority, will probably never develop respect for other authorities, whether school, church, government, or business. This is why Paul stresses the importance of homes and families being built on spiritual principles; homes where each family member understands and submits to his or her God given responsibilities.
