TODAY'S RHEMA Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
"Comes in from the right ear, and out through the left ear." As children, surely we've done this countless times. We hear our parents words of admonition, but all those words seem to evaporate into thin air. When they tell us to do our homework, we play instead. When they teach us to save money, we secretly go snacking in the nearby shop. When they give us chores to do, we give a thousand reasons why we can't. When they forbid us from keeping company with certain friends, let alone go home at night, we think they are rigid and old school. We seem to-know-it-all and are smarter than our parents. We even accuse them of curbing our freedom, in the end, our rebellious acts create a negative atmosphere at home.
There is no denying the fact that the age we are in and with technological advancement, the values of respect for parents and elderly is fast degenerating. However, one thing we need to realize is, the times and seasons will continue to change, but God's word remains the same until the heavens and the earth pass (Isaiah 40: 8). God's wisdom is perfect. He is not a human that could easily change his mind. Not just once or twice, but many times the Bible records the command of respect for parents. We can begin to respect our parents by listening and obeying.
When we try to obey God's command, no matter how difficult it may seem, sooner we will discover how good the provision He has made. As we are willing to listen and obey our parents, it will strengthen and restore our relationship with them. Parents will also feel appreciated. An unnecessary battle will be averted. In fact, like a mirror that reflects our actions, they will also begin to listen to what we want to convey. Our family life will never be the same again. There is love. There is unity of heart. There is the presence of God. Yes, through our obedience, God knits heaven with our home.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, THE SIMPLEST WAY TO HONOR YOUR PARENTS is LISTENING and OBEYING them.
APPLICATIONS 1. What usually prevents you from listening and obeying your parents? 2. Why do you need to learn to listen and obey them? 3. What can you do to listen and obey your parents more?
TODAY'S PRAYER "Father, please forgive me that I often close my ears to what my parents have to say. From now on, I really want to open my heart to obey my parent more. Please enable me to do so even when it contradicts the desire of my heart. In the name of Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen."
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