Question:

How do you honor and obey non-christian parents? I have struggled with this issue for years. My parents and I have always had a good relationship but some of the advice they give me I have a hard time taking because it contradicts the Bible.

Answer:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3).

Thus the Scriptures teach us that children are to obey their parents as long as they can do this “in the Lord.” And we are told that this is the first commandment “with promise.”

Do you know what that promise is? Look at Exodus 20 where the ten commandments are given. “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). This promise was given to God’s earthly people, Israel, but the Spirit of God tells us that this promise is for us today as well.
Notice that it is “right” to obey our parents, not because they are saved, but because they are parents. God has given us our parents to teach us and provide many things for us especially when we are young. One of the most important things we can learn from our parents is to obey those in authority over us. If we don’t learn to obey our parents, we will find it very difficult to obey the teacher in school, the policeman, etc.We also are told to “honor” our parents because they are our “father and mother.” Romans 13:7 tells us to “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due…honor to whom honor.” There may be situations where you cannot obey your parents because their advice is contrary to the Word of God. But you can still honor them by being respectful to them and adhering to their wishes as much as possible, explaining in a respectful way why you can’t obey them in a particular situation.