HONOR AND RESPECT ARE ESSENTIALS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD
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“That all should honor the Son just as they honor the
Father. He who does not honor the Son
does not honor the Father who sent Him.”—John 5:23
In the New Testament, the book of Ephesians is addressed to a
group of believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet living as
beggars—only because they are ignorant of their wealth. Paul begins by describing in chapters 1-3 the
contents of the Christian’s “every spiritual blessing”; adoption, acceptance,
redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit,
life, grace and citizenship. In chapters
4-6 the Christian learns a spiritual walk rooted in his or her spiritual
wealth. Ephesians 6: 1-3 shows us how to
receive a promise from God, “Children,
obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and
mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with
you and you may live long on the earth.’”
Soon France will be deciding if they should replace the
words, “mother and father” from their
legal jargon within their government with the word, “parents.” If I understand the premise correctly, it is being done
to seem inclusive of all people (lesbians and homosexuals) who are parents. In the anti-God climate of the world today, we
see children of all ages rebelling, but they often escape discipline. This has led to two
dangerous attitudes. One says people do not need to accept responsibility for
their actions. The other attitude permits neglecting the greater good in favor
of personal goals. To find an example, simply look at people who are texting
and driving.
To build a Christ-honoring community within the worldly
culture, believers should instruct children to honor parents, and then
discipline any failure to show respect.
One important way to teach this lesson is by modeling honor. Our families should see us treat our own parents with care
and consideration. Honoring Mom and Dad
is not a suggestion. The Lord has placed these important people in our life.
Whether or not we feel they have served well in that capacity, we are to obey
God by offering them care and respect.
It is essential
that for us to live in God’s Kingdom, we must follow His commandment to honor
parents, and when we do we have a promise. He told the Israelites, recorded in Exodus 20,
to treat parents with respect so that
their “days may be long upon the land” that
He was giving them. This did not guarantee that respecting authority would necessarily mean survival till old age.
The words “days” and “long” seem to imply productivity,
strength, and satisfaction rather than a certain number of years.
The word “Honor” means to esteem, valuable or precious. Not only are we to honor our earthly father and mother, but we are to honor the Son, Jesus Christ, just as we honor our Heavenly Father. When we esteem our Heavenly Father, we are indicating, to Him and His Son, they are worthy, morally good and upright, they are principled and we admire them for their personage. Recently, I heard a teenager address God in a most unbecoming way, not one of respect, dignity or honor. I stepped in correcting the young person in the way they were disrespecting our Heavenly Father. If and adult was in their own home, they should not allow this type of disrespect to be said to an earthly father; therefore, we do not allow this type of behavior to penetrate our churches. We can do our part by speaking up and teaching right from wrong.
Prayer—Father
I thank You that You have promised me a long life if I honor my father and
mother. Today I repent for the times
that I have treated them disrespectfully and did not honor them and I ask You
to forgive me. Also Lord, forgive me for
the times that I have not honored and respected You. Help me Lord to live a life that would honor
and please You in all that I say and do, in Jesus Name. Amen.
