Living in Increase (Part 4) - Increase in CommunitySample

Increasing Life - Honoring Parents

We just welcomed a new granddaughter into our family. Little Lyla Renee is perfect in every way. To quote an old nursery rhyme, she is full of “sugar and spice and everything nice.” Reality tells us that children are also full of “pee and vinegar,” to quote my grandmother. Right now, Jacob and Kirstie’s only challenges as parents are sleepless nights and smelly diapers. As she ages and her brain develops, Lyla will start figuring out how to navigate life. She will start thinking and making her own decisions. Jacob and Kirstie will need to give her instruction, training, and guidance (Proverbs 22:6). They will set boundaries and establish clear expectations for her. Lyla will be taught to be obedient. Ephesians 6:1 makes it abundantly clear that obedience is the right thing to do.

An effective writing technique used to emphasize the importance of something is to repeat it using different words. This is not the case in Ephesians 6:2. When instructed to honor our parents, it is different than obedience. Obedience is the act of following instructions or commandments. Obedience is done out of a sense of obligation or avoidance of consequence. Honor comes from the heart. The meaning of the word in Greek is “to prize, to assign value, to revere.” There comes a time when parents no longer have authority over a child. At 18 years old, a person is considered a legal adult in America and is no longer under the authority of parents. Honoring parents goes far beyond obedience.

Jesus honored His parents. This is most evident when he was nearing His death on the cross. In His agony, He tenderly took time to comfort and provide for His mother:

“When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.” - John 19, 26-27 ESV

Even in His death, Jesus elevated His mother. Joseph was most likely gone by now, or he would have taken care of his wife. In a culture where widows were not valued, struggled to survive, and were often cast aside, Jesus commanded a place of honor for His mother.

We are to follow Jesus’s example with our parents. Even if your parents have passed, there are still ways for you to honor their legacy. Some of us were blessed to have parents who deserve our honor. Unfortunately, some believe their parents do not deserve respect and honor. Keep in mind that the commandment to honor your parents is not conditional. I understand this is difficult for many, but remember that your obedience comes with a promise “that you will live long on the earth.” I like to think that I will live on through my children and my grandchildren. My parents honored my grandparents, so I know what it looks like. I do my best to honor my parents as well, following their example. I pray that my children will do the same because Lyla is watching and learning from them. I have faith that she will continue this legacy of honor.

Julie Austin

Action Step: Find a way to honor your parents today (even if they are no longer here, you can find a way to honor their legacy). If you believe that your parents do not deserve honor, pray that God will heal you and give you the ability to forgive them. Pray and seek to restore your relationship.