"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).
A quick glance at American culture paints a sad portrait when it comes to honoring parents, especially fathers. In an effort to elevate the status of women in society the male has been emasculated. The majority of commercials, movies and T.V. sitcoms portray women as the "smart mama" who is always having to manage the "dumb daddy". Even the children are encouraged to gang up on dear old dad with no display of respect or honor for his counsel.
The once strong leadership of the American male is slowing vanishing before our eyes as we have rebelled against God's design for relationships.
ow interesting to note that God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" is the first commandment that contains a stated promise.
When we show reference for our parents the Lord says we, too, will be blessed. Our lives "go well" because they are filled with harmony instead of strife. God delights in our sacrifice of obedience to them especially during challenging times. He understands human relationships ebb and flow and doing the right thing is sometimes hard.
But God places great emphasis on maintaining the relationship and showing deference to our parents.
ur first priority is to a vibrant loving relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Second in line is our parental and family relationships.
Perhaps your relationship with your parents is fraught with pain and in need of healing. Don't give up! Take your cares to the Lord and let Him heal your family. God can transform you into His compassionate advocate for positive change in the lives of others. Will you let Him work in you and through you? "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
