Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 16, 2015
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8
Parents are God’s provision for protection and learning; therefore as we listen to them we learn from them. We learn lessons on living frugally, being honest, and working hard. We also learn what not to do, like eating poorly, not exercising, and not forgiving. Parents teach and children learn, whether either recognizes the educational exchange. This learning process is meant to make each generation better in the eyes of God.
Indeed, parental honor is the cornerstone of any family forged by faith in Christ. Without learning from your parents’ mistakes and building on their successes, you are destined to dysfunction. You honor your parents when you listen to, learn from, and obey them. You honor God as you honor your mom and dad; so value your parents because of their position, not their performance.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:1–3).
This high honor and esteem of parents is what keeps entire nations of families focused on what makes a lasting legacy. Once society sequesters the elderly in isolation as a burden and offers euthanasia as an option, the beginning of the end of that foolish culture has arrived. It is in our service to them that we see Jesus. Parents have the potential to provide perspective only experience affords.
Take the time to look past the rough exterior of your dad, and determine to draw out his nuggets of wisdom. Help your mom process her fears and forgive her shortcomings, and you will see the beauty of her advice. Parents are not perfect, but even in their imperfection they invite honor and attention; so listen and learn from your parents. You will learn from the Lord in the process. Parents are a gift from God; so receive them by faith, and steward the relationship in humility and love.
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother’” (Luke 18:20).
Prayer: In what area of my life will I invite my parents’ advice and feedback in an honorable way?
Related Readings: Genesis 49:2; Exodus 18:24; Proverbs 23:22; 1 Timothy 5:4
Post/Tweet this today: We honor our parents because of their position, not their performance. #parents #wisdomhunters
Taken from Boyd’s new book: Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs (replaces current Proverb book with 50% newer content) to be released July 1st by Harvest House Publishers. Preorder on Amazon.
Additional Resource: 7 minute music video- All Sons and Daughters: Reason to Sing
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