Sons and Daughters

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 AMP

Children are a gift from God. We as parents are called to bring them up in the way of the Lord.  One of the things we have taught or should have taught our children is that honor means “lifting someone up and treating them as special and important.” It’s about allowing others to go first, encouraging them, empowering them, and believing the best in them.

Since children have learned about honor from their parents, there is one question that should be asked.

  • How do you honor your children?
    • Do you speak respectfully to them?
    • Do you discipline with harshness and in anger?
    • Do you belittle them in front of others?

Ok, that was more than one question but you get my drift. One of the greatest things we can do to teach our children how to honor us is to honor them.  We also teach them that honor doesn’t end when they grow up and move out of the house. You, we, all of us, are called to honor others throughout our lives. Of course, there are always circumstances where we are not able to obey this. People leave this earth, they are abusive, they abandon us, etc., but where possible we are called to honor them.

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, please teach us how to first honor you and respect others at all times.  Do not allow us to disrespect your servants. Enable us to treat them well and respect them so that we may receive the blessings that you have in store for those who keep your commandments. Remind us that when we honor others, we too receive the honor. For it’s in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. ~~ Amen.

 

Honoring Your Family

1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Honor is a decision we make to place high value, worth, and importance on another person by viewing him or her as a priceless gift and granting him or her a position in our lives worthy of great respect; and love involves putting that decision into action.”  Gary Smalley (Family Counselor & Author)

 

As a parent, honoring our children is an act of obedience to God.  It shapes the way our children grow into people of purpose.  In the same manner, children are asked to honor their parents, this is the first commandment with a promise.  In the 5th of the 10 Commandments, honor implies submission, which implies obedience. Children who have not become independent or mature adults are under the authority of their parent(s), so they are to honor or yield to them.

We should practice honoring those that carved our path before we were able to do it for ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is a call to our family members to talk or trade stories or just listening to them honors them as family.  This effort could completely change the frictions that often take place in the family dynamic.

Practice honesty, empathy, and honor, this could pay dividends beyond our wildest imagination.

PRAYER:  Dear God, help us to obey your commands and in doing so we not only honor you but also those who are part of our family.  We thank you that you have given us a great example when you sent your only Son, Jesus, to die for us, showing us your great love.  We honor you for the greatest gift anyone could ever receive.  It’s in Jesus’ name we pray – Amen!