"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 (NIV)
Today, let’s focus on one of the first commands in the Bible.
“Honor your father and mother.”
We all have different experiences in life when it comes to how we have been parented and how we parent.
No one is perfect.
We all make mistakes.
God knew that and still He commanded, “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
This is the only command that has a conditional promise that follows.
I believe God meant business!
As I look around me, I see very few children (adults, teens or younger children) who show honor to their parents.
I am not suggesting that we honor behaviors that are ungodly.
I am not suggesting that parents are perfect and never make mistakes.
I am certainly not suggesting that children should remain in abusive homes.
However, it is time to make a shift in our thinking.
Instead of being so quick to point out the faults in our parents (and others), let’s begin to look for the positive qualities they display.
Choose to honor that which is lovely, pure and praise worthy.
Speak a word of encouragement to your parent today.
Write a note of appreciation to your parent today.
Thank your mom or dad for something she/he did that made you feel safe, valued, cherished, or honored.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for my mother and father. I know they are not perfect, but I choose to focus on what is honorable in their lives. Thank you for the ways my mother _______________________________. Thank you for the ways my father __________________________. I choose to forgive ____________________________. As you have forgiven me, so I will forgive _______________. Show me how I can honor my parents today.
No comments:
Post a Comment