Honour Your Parents

The idea of raising obedient children is much maligned these days. We need to allow them to express themselves, to be who they naturally are, to live life to the full. But the question you have to ask yourself, is … what sort of adults does that produce? Look, I have no argument with the fact that the strict, Dickensian approach to child rearing, where they should be seen but not heard, was way over the top. Kids are kids, after all. Teenagers are teenagers. When I was growing up in the 1960's and 70's, yep, I copped the strap from my father once or twice. That's how things were back in the day, although I'm not for one minute suggesting we go back to that. But I wonder when you see the self-centred adults we're producing these days (not all of course, but many) whether the le se faire approach to child rearing is doing anyone any favours. Just look at the level of social discourse these days. It's appallingly narcissistic. So, reality check. Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do. The command says, "You must respect your father and mother." This is the first command that has a promise with it. And this is the promise: "Then all will go well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth." Okay, social standards may be a bit different nowadays. But make no mistake, one of the most important things we can do for the children in our lives, one of the greatest investments we can make that'll bear abundant fruit in their adulthood – fruit that will likely no doubt ripple down through many generations – is to teach them to respect, honour and obey their parents. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.