PROMISED BLESSING
"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)
Paul reaches into the Old Testament law to describe this command in Exodus as the first command with a promise. As a follower of Christ, obedience always brings blessing. That blessing may come in the form of material things in this life, but it may not. The Scriptures describe us as people who are storing up blessings or treasures for ourselves in heaven.
So, when God directly connects a step of obedience to blessing, God's people should pay attention. While I think this command is most often spoken over children when they are young, I think this verse offers a unique perspective on adult children as they honor their parents. What does it look like for an adult child to honor their parents?
I think that speaking highly of them, checking on them physically and emotionally, and making sure their needs are met as they age. God shares that a blessing will follow this type of relationship with your parents.
Not everyone is blessed by godly parents. I think it's important to understand the difference between words like respect and honor. Respect is our internal assessment of a person's character. Honor is our behavior, in either words or deeds, that expresses our heart towards them.
As our schedules continue to crowd out some of the most important things, like our relationships with our family, be a person who prioritizes honoring your parents.
APPLICATION: What is one way that you can honor your mother or father today? Even if your parents are less than honorable, perhaps honor the fact that they are made in God's image or honor the position of the parent.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be obedient to this instruction that Paul gives us in Ephesians. Help me to find ways to honor my parents today. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?