Honour Thy Father and Mother

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The Bible has much to say concerning the dangers of improper family relationships. “There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother” (Proverbs 30:11). “The son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother” (Micah 7:6), “the eye . . . mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother” (Proverbs 30:17). Yet, the first commandment with promise was to “honour thy father and mother” (Ephesians 6:1-2). This honour can be demonstrated by hearkening to (Proverbs 23:22) and obeying one’s parents (Colossians 3:20). As parents seek the Lord’s direction, God will lead them as to how to lead their individual homes (Ezra 8:21). The child’s responsibility is directed toward submitting to and learning of the Lord by obeying the parents.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai. She was obedient to him (Esther 2:5-7, 20). Even later, she listened to his wisdom and saved her people from a wicked plan (Esther 4:7-8, 16). For many generations, the Rechabites obeyed what their father commanded and the Lord rewarded them (Jeremiah 35:5-10; 18-19).

(For everyone):How is a young person’s relationship with the Lord directly related to his or her relationship to parents (or guardians)? What is the first concept a young person will often have of God?

(For everyone):Why does God begin life with youth? Why did God establish life so that it would begin with a child’s reliance upon parents? What are some of the responsibilities of youth?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to help the children in your home to be obedient.

Thank God for the family structure He established.

SONG

God, Give Us Christian Homes

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