1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4)
(Becca Hancock with Ugandan orphans- in the name of Christ)Thoughts: The command to honor parents is not just an Old Testament command, but one that is good for every age. As a general principle, the ability to listen and follow advice leads to safety and health. This command does not just obligate children toward parents but implies an obligation of parents to the children. To expect your children to honor you, you should be honorable. In the Roman world a patristic son could not own property until his father died. The son could be imprisoned, sold as a slave by the father. But to Christians, children were not to be enslaved or possessed as things. Rather children were also treated as people created in God's image. Jesus welcomed the little children and protected them from those who would harm them. So Christians are called to care for these "least of these" who are dependent and vulnerable.
Prayer: May I have grace, O Lord, to be a respecter of people of all ages and abilities.
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