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 amazement, “you must have treated your dad horribly! 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 parents who are controlling and demeaning when they are mature. As long as children accept the support of their parents, they must comply with the expectations made by their parents if the expectations of their parents 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. When You are the focus of a family, all can live in love, hope, and harmony. We pray that families will invite You in as a member. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2