Title: Honoring Your Father and Mother
Introduction:
Today we are going to talk about a very important commandment that is often overlooked in our society, especially by teenagers. The Bible tells us in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This commandment is tied to a promise of God’s blessing, and it’s something that we should take very seriously. So, let’s explore what it means to honor our parents and why it’s so important.
Respecting Parents:
1. Listen and obey: One way to honor your parents is by listening to their advice and obeying their rules. This doesn’t mean blindly following everything they say, but it does mean showing them respect by considering their wisdom and authority in your life.
2. Speak with kindness: It’s easy to get frustrated with our parents, especially as teenagers. But it’s important to remember that our words have power. Speaking to our parents with kindness and respect, even in times of disagreement, is a way of honoring them.
3. Show appreciation: Take the time to thank your parents for all that they do for you. Whether it’s a ride to a friend’s house, a home-cooked meal, or their love and support, expressing gratitude is a way of honoring them.
4. Seek their counsel: When faced with important decisions, it’s wise to seek your parents’ advice and guidance. They have years of experience and can offer valuable insight. Even if you ultimately make your own decision, honoring your parents means considering their input.
Consequences and blessings:
The Bible tells us that when we honor our parents, we will live long in the land that the Lord has given us. This is a promise of God’s blessing for obedience. On the other hand, failing to honor our parents can lead to negative consequences in our lives. It can strain our relationship with them, and ultimately hinder our own ability to thrive and find peace.
Conclusion:
Honoring our parents is not always easy, especially in the teenage years when we are discovering our own independence. But it is a commandment of God, and it is for our own good. By respecting and honoring our parents, we are showing them love and gratitude, and we are opening ourselves up to the blessings of God. Let’s strive to honor our father and mother in all that we do.
