"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honour your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Ephesians 6:1-4
What is true with regard to children in Paul's injunction here must surely be regarded as having application to young people also, in their relation not only to their parents but also to older people in general. And it should be sufficient that it is a God-ordained order to young folk for them to conform to it. It is a mark of true Christian discipleship when young people show a due respect for older people in terms of courteous attitudes and speech toward them. It is surely not fitting that young folk should ride roughshod over either their parents' feelings and affections or those of mature adults. A Christian profession does not entitle us to be unnecessarily offensive, even when we are in decisive disagreement with our parents' point of view. It is perfectly possible to disagree with them in a courteous way and, if need be, disobey them honourably. But young people must see to it that it is honourable and not dishonourable disobedience that characterises them. The thought of young folks brashly telling their parents that they are all wrong spiritually (however true it may be in fact) is not a happy one. Just as Christian wives are warned in Scripture not to preach at their unconverted husbands but that they may be won over by the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, without a word being said, so also a similar attitude should be taken by young people in their relationship with their parents.