Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 39
[Authority gets a fairly bad rap these days, which is interesting, because there has probably never been a generation in which it has been exercised less unilaterally and more accountably. Who knows? Perhaps it's one of those areas in which the better off people are, the worse off they think they are. (Like suffering, for instance.) Anyway: Heidelberg's brief exposition of the fifth commandment helps. Honouring fathers and mothers, and indeed all authority figures, involves love and loyalty to the person, submission to their instructions, and patience for their failures. Good thinking.]
Q104. What is God’s will for you
in the fifth commandment?
A104. That I honor, love, and be loyal
to my father and mother
and all those in authority over me;
that I submit myself with proper obedience
to all their good teaching and discipline;
and also that I be patient with their failings—
for through them God chooses to rule us.