HONOR AND RESPECT KEY INGREDIENTS IN GOD’S KINGDOM

“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.’”

 

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.