Key Scripture
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee – Exodus 20:12 (KJV)
Introduction
In today’s world, the concept of fatherhood is often diluted to mere biological contribution or a ceremonial title. But in God’s kingdom, fatherhood is not a title—it is a sacred responsibility. It is an office backed by divine authority, carrying grace, guidance and identity. The message of Father’s Honour reminds us that how we treat the fathers God has placed in our lives, biological or spiritual, can determine the trajectory of our lives. It teaches that honour is not optional; it is foundational.
Who Is A Father?
A father is not just the man who gave birth to you. He is the one who:
- Has your interest at heart,
- Is genuinely concerned about your growth,
- Becomes burdened by your burdens.
A true father is your identity, your guide, your covering and your defender. According to 1 Corinthians 11:1, a father leads by example. They are not perfect, but they are grace carriers. The day you begin to see your father’s faults and magnify them, you start to leak grace. A son is not defined by words but by loyalty, especially during storms. You don’t know who is a son until there is a shaking.
“A son is one who sees his father’s weakness and does not announce it.”
In spiritual dynamics:
- You cannot criticize a man and expect his grace to work for you.
- You cannot dishonour your biological father and expect the fullness of God’s blessings.
- You cannot claim to honour God while dishonouring His human representatives in your life.
Is It All Fathers That Should be Honoured?
Malachi 1:6 says, “If I be a father, where is my honour?”
It is not just about age or position. It is about function and responsibility. A man that cannot take care of his wife and children is not a father. Honour should go to:
- The one who leads.
- The one who provides.
- The one who instructs.
- The one who guards.
- The one who defends.
It is not honour when you flatter in public but rebel in private.
“Any pastor that makes you honour them but dishonour your parents is a deceiver.”
True honour is complete only when it is balanced—both biological and spiritual fathers must be honoured. Half-honour is dishonour in disguise.
Why Do People Struggle To Honour?
- Pride – Many people come to church with their heads, not their hearts.
- Familiarity – Constant exposure to your father can breed contempt if not managed with spiritual maturity.
- Ignorance – Not knowing the spiritual law of honour makes many treat sacred offices with casual hands.
“You can’t call someone your spiritual father and still speak against him.”
Those who dishonour fathers:
- Limit the flow of grace.
- Miss impartation moments.
- Forfeit divine covering.
The Benefits of Honouring Fathers
When you truly honour your father, whether biological or spiritual, three major blessings follow:
- You become a partaker of the grace they carry
(Philippians 1:7) – Grace is not earned; it is inherited through honour. - You enjoy covering
– Like Elisha followed Elijah and received his mantle, honour grants you spiritual insurance. - You receive impartation
– Impartation happens when your heart connects to your father’s grace. On the day of impartation, what is said to you is what matters.
Am I reaping the full benefits of grace, or have I blocked the flow by dishonour?
Conclusion
Honour is a spiritual law, and the consequences of breaking it are grave. Dishonour can shorten your life. Prayer cannot replace honour. Giving cannot replace honour. No matter how fervent you are, if you lack the wisdom of honour, your results will be limited.
“What you make happen for others, God will make happen to you.”
Fatherhood is a divine structure, and honour is the access key to the blessings it carries. As you begin to walk in honour—balanced, heartfelt honour—get ready to experience divine speed, impartation, and covering like never before.
Call To Action
Take a moment today to evaluate your posture towards the fathers in your life. Reach out to your biological father with a word, a seed, or a prayer. Honour your spiritual father with humility and consistency. Decide to walk in honour, not just with your lips, but with your life.