Devotion 5: Honor Child
Elijah Edwards
When I was a kid there were two words that I dreaded when my mother told me to clean my room: spick and span. Regardless of what they meant, (I still don't believe they are real words to this day) I knew that the room had to be spotless. I hated doing that. What are some chores that you hate doing? (Parents, this is a good time to tell your kids what chores you dislike doing at home now, as well as when you were a kid.) Why do you hate doing these chores?
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Ephesians 6:1–3
I know that any kid in the room just made the biggest groan in the world. The child inside of all of us probably did the same thing. This command can seem very difficult. Whether we are a child, or an adult who had a difficult childhood, this isn't easy. What is Paul getting at here; why is it important for children to obey? Why is obedience important in a family?
Read the first verse again: “Obey your parents in the Lord." This isn't just a command for kids to listen to whatever their parents say and be ok with it; this is a command for children to be obedient to God. In Christ-centered families, it is important for children to obey their parents because it shows their obedience to God. (Sorry parents, God has more authority than you do!) Children have an amazing ability and opportunity to show the love of Jesus in their family by honoring their father and mother. This is such an important foundation because, through a child's obedience, they are showing their commitment and love for the Lord to the family. In some families, this can be hard which is why I want to give a challenge for today.
Parents, when giving a chore or command to your child I want you to think about why you are giving that command first. Do you want them to follow it so that they respect you? Or do you want them to follow it so that they respect God? Openly communicate that to your kids today.
Children, spend some time writing down some of the things you don't like doing and talk to your parents about them. This isn't an excuse or chance to get out of chores but it is a time for you to see how you can honor God by honoring your parent's wishes.