Tuesday - "Honoring the Position"

Ephesians 6:1-4: 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.”

For many, today's passage is not only possible, it's easy. They have great parents that they respect, admire, and want to be more like. Following leadership like that is wonderful...there is simply nothing like strong, loving parents.

However, this isn't always the case... How do we honor our parents if they aren't worthy of it in our eyes? How can I honor my dad if we fight all the time? How can I respect my mom when she doesn't respect me? Let's look at another passage of scripture that might help...

"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished." Romans 13:1-2

Now we don't often think about our parents as "governing authorities," but in a sense, they are. This passage indicates that regardless of their parenting skills (or lack thereof)...we are supposed to respect the authority that they have been given by God over us. They are accountable to God for their behaviour....and any harshness they have caused will be dealt with and judged by Him alone.

If you are struggling with honoring parents that seemingly don't deserve it...at least respect their position of authority. Remember today's passage...it promises us that if we do this, it will go well for us and we will live a long life on the earth. I know that seems to simplify things a bit much, but if we can do it...we will live obedient lives that God can bless. It is my prayer for you this morning, that if thinking about honoring your mom and dad seems impossible...that God would show you a way and you would feel release from pain that has held you down for so long.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Brian