Another Grey Hair

A father said to his son, “When you cause problems and are disobedient, you add another grey hair to my head.”

“Wow,” said the son in return, “you must have been horrible. Grandpa’s hair is completely grey! What did you do to him?”

God’s Word demands that children honor and obey their parents. But there is also a distinction between obeying and honoring parents.

Obeying means that children are to do what they are told to do as long as it is legal, proper and ethical. Honoring, on the other hand means giving respect, love and admiration.

Children cannot be expected to obey their parents if it means disobeying God. Neither are they to be submissive to controlling parents when they are grown. As long as children accept the support of their parents, they must comply with the expectations made of them if they are in keeping with God’s Word.

But honoring and loving parents may sometimes be more difficult than obeying them. It is always important for parents and children to remember that respect, which leads to giving and receiving honor and love, flows in both directions. If there is thoughtfulness and kindness, patience and gentleness, goodness and happiness in the home, honor and love will be normal and natural.

Prayer: Father, family life is difficult. But when You are the center, all can live in love, peace and harmony. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:1-11 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.