HONOUR YOUR PARENTS

The Forgotten Commandment

 FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

 Honouring your parents is a command for children of all ages. There is no exception clause in this command that exempts the adult child from responsibility.
     I can almost sense you starting to squirm in your seat.
     Let me take a few moments to tell you what honouring parents is and what isn't...
 Honouring your parents does not mean indorsing responsibility or sin.
It is not a denial of what they have done wrong as parents. It does not mean that you flatter them by "emotionally stuffing" the mistakes they have made or denying the emotional or even the physical pain they may have caused you.
    For an adult child, honouring your parents does not give them the access to manipulate you. It doesn't mean crawling back into the cradle and becoming a helpless child again.
    Honouring your parents means choosing to place great value on your relationship with them.
    Honouring your parents means taking the initiative to improve the relationship.
    Honouring your parents means obeying them until you established yourself as an adult.
    Honouring your parents means recognizing what they have done right in your life.
    Honouring your parents means recognizing the sacrifices they have made for you.
    Honouring your parents means praising them for the legacy they are passing on to you.
    Honouring your parents means seeing them through the eyes of Christ, with      understanding and compassion.
    Honouring your parents means forgiving them as Christ has forgiven you.
    It is an attitude accompanied by actions that say to your parents, "You are worthy. You have value. You are the person God sovereignly placed in my life."
    What did your parents do right as they raised you? What steps can you take to improve your relationship with your parents? Pray: ask God to empower you through the Holy Spirit to take one step toward honouring your parents.

"Honour your father and your mother." -- EXODUS 2O: 12