By Barron Greenwalt for En-Joy Ministries
February 15, 2026

In a world where freedoms hang by a thread—not just in America but globally—we must confront a foundational truth that’s being systematically eroded: the sacred command to honor our parents. This isn’t just a nice suggestion; it’s a divine law woven into the fabric of creation itself. As children of God, we are called to recognize that the parent-child relationship mirrors our bond with our Heavenly Father, the “Abba” we cry out to in Romans 8:15: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'” When we violate this principle, we invite chaos, division, and ultimately, the loss of the liberties we hold dear. At En-Joy Ministries, we’re committed to restoring biblical truths through teachings like this—because our society’s roots are rotting, and it starts at home.

A Cultural Shift: From Respect to Ridicule in Media

Do you remember the golden era of television, when shows portrayed parents and authority figures with dignity and wisdom? Classics like The Andy Griffith Show, where Sheriff Andy Taylor guided his son Opie with gentle firmness and moral clarity, or My Three Sons, where widower Steve Douglas balanced work and family with steadfast leadership. Then there was The Rifleman, with Lucas McCain teaching his son Mark about integrity, hard work, and respect through life’s trials. These programs reinforced family values, showing children learning from their elders and honoring them as guides.

But somewhere along the way, Hollywood flipped the script. Shows aimed at kids and families began mocking adults, portraying parents as bumbling fools outsmarted by clever preteens. Take Saved by the Bell, where Principal Belding and the parents were often the butt of jokes, reduced to clueless obstacles in the teens’ schemes. Or The Simpsons, where Homer’s incompetence is a running gag, eroding any sense of paternal authority. Even family-oriented sitcoms like Full House sometimes leaned into chaos where kids ran the show. This wasn’t innocent entertainment—it was a subtle indoctrination, teaching generations that adults are “dumb” and unworthy of respect.

And let’s not ignore how language has been corrupted. The word “adult” now conjures images of pornography and every form of sexual immorality, while “mature audience” (MA) ratings sanitize explicit content as sophisticated. This perversion distracts from true maturity: the biblical wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord and honoring one’s roots. As Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Hollywood’s shift isn’t accidental; it’s part of a broader assault on the family unit.

The Biblical Mandate: Honoring Parents as a Law of Creation

At the heart of this issue is a divine command that’s non-negotiable. Exodus 20:12 declares, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” This is the first commandment with a promise, echoed in Ephesians 6:2-3: “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” It’s not just about obedience; it’s a foundational principle that sustains societies and secures blessings.

Consider the narrative in Psalm 22, where David cries out in anguish but anchors his hope in generational faith: “Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them” (Psalm 22:4). This psalm foreshadows Christ’s suffering but also highlights the chain of trust from parents to children, passed down through faithfulness. When we break this chain—through disrespect or neglect—we sever our connection to God’s deliverance.

From the Garden of Eden, where God established family as the first institution, to our adoption as sons and daughters in Christ (Galatians 4:5-7), the parent-child dynamic reflects our relationship with the Creator. Jesus Himself modeled this, submitting to Mary and Joseph even as the Son of God (Luke 2:51). Violating this “law of creation” isn’t minor; it’s a catalyst for downfall. In my opinion, it’s what pushed America over the edge into the cultural hell we’re navigating today—disrespect breeding division, leading to total government control.

The Modern Assault: Institutions Stealing Our Children

This disrespect isn’t organic; it’s engineered. Schools indoctrinate our kids against us, promoting ideologies that pit children against parental authority under the guise of “progress.” The medical profession joins in, with policies allowing minors to access abortions, gender-affirming therapies, or sex changes without parental consent—echoing the chilling prophecy in George Orwell’s 1984, where children spy on and betray their parents to the state. Satan is actively stealing our kids, as Jesus warned in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”

I’m not referring to the natural biological drive for young adults to separate and build their own lives—that’s part of God’s design, as seen in Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.” No, this is a direct assault on the family: a loss of trust and credibility because parents have abdicated their roles. Too many want to be “friends” instead of authorities, living vicariously through their children at any cost. I recently saw a young girl I know share an outright sensual, almost pornographic video on social media—and her parents praised it! That’s not love; it’s sickening self-indulgence that harms the child.

Government, healthcare, and education are satanically intertwined in this downfall, eroding everything we hold dear. Under-40s often dismiss their parents, thinking they “know better,” but this arrogance ignores Proverbs 23:22: “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” When families fracture, society crumbles, paving the way for authoritarian control.

A Call to Restoration: Reclaim Honor for Our Future

As believers, we must use the discernment gifted by the Holy Spirit—our bodies are temples (1 Corinthians 6:19)—to resist this tide. Don’t blindly follow institutions; pray, seek wisdom from the Body of Christ, and test everything against Scripture. En-Joy Ministries exists to enable, enrich, encourage, and enjoy God’s joyful strength—through teachings, Bible studies, preaching, and community that foster vibrant faith and wholeness in spirit, soul, and body.

Our freedoms depend on this. Worldwide, cultures that uphold family respect thrive; those that don’t descend into tyranny. Let’s rebuild: teach your children Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Model it yourself. The roots of our faith and society demand it—don’t willingly give it away.

What are you doing today to honor and restore this vital bond? Share your thoughts below, and join us at En-Joy Ministries for more biblical teachings on living faithfully in turbulent times.

Barron Greenwalt is an ordained minister, teacher, and founder of En-Joy Ministries, dedicated to cultivating joy, growing faith, and nurturing the whole person in Christ. Please prayerfully consider supporting our ministry