Podcast 87: Honoring Parents
There are many specific ways to love our children as we have each been loved, as children of God. I have addressed them in previous chapters. With the help of God, we seek to be meek, gentle, approachable, and encouraging. We want to possess the heart of a foot-washing servant and look to build up our kids, by teaching them, praying for them, and modeling the word of God. Another way that God has ordained for us to bless our children is not a strategy or a specific practice, but an invisible attitude.
In the ten commandments, there is one that Paul says is the first commandment to be accompanied by a promise. It is the fifth command, directed to children, about their attitude towards their parents. “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16.
The concept of honoring another frail human is not natural. In our carnal natures, we are not inclined to honor others. We want to be honored and recognized, instead of giving honor to another. One of the best examples of someone giving honor to another is the young shepherd David honoring the first king of Israel, Saul.