And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 21:15, 17).
That is how important this command is in God's eyes! The home and the family unit are the basis of all decent society. And the relationship of children to their parents is an exact type of the spiritual relationship between true Christians and God.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise" (Ephesians 6:1–2).
The Apostle Paul reemphasizes the blessing attached to the fifth commandment: "That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:3). Obedience to the fifth commandment automatically results in the building of habits and character that tend to long life. And, in its ultimate meaning, those who learn to respect and obey their parents and later—because of this training—God Himself, will certainly "live long on the earth." For, as Jesus said: "Blessed are the meek [the humble and obedient], for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).
The time may come when it is no longer necessary or right that a person should strictly obey his parents. But the day should never come when they cease to honor them. The word "honor" has a much larger meaning than that of obedience. It indicates a high respect. It denotes a feeling of high esteem and reverence. This honor expresses itself in courtesy, thoughtfulness and kind deeds. As we mature, it becomes increasingly evident that untold hours of work, of anxious thought and agonized prayer were bestowed for our welfare by faithful and loving parents. It should become the delight of every decent man and woman to return this love that our parents showered on us. Let us think and act on this opportunity to return the love our parents so freely gave!
No comments:
Post a Comment