Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

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Friday, February 17, 2012

day 242: 10 Commandments (The Fifth)

Deuteronomy 5:16
‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

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As we continue on our journey through the 10 commandments, we've made it to number 5: "Honor your father and your mother."

Now....

We parents LOVE this commandment ;) It's one that is about us-- and I dare say we haven't quoted it once or twice to our unrulely kids *looks around innocently*

Here's a question: Do you think this commandment has an expiration date? Do you think that when you get 18 you don't have to follow this one any more?

I have no idea. I'm 31 and I still try to do what makes my mama happy.

I wish I had some answer for you for this commandment-- and I wish I had some profound words of wisdom for it.

Maybe you do... feel free to leave your intrepretation in the comments section below. What do you think this exactly means?

*I* think I follow this one pretty well. For the most part anyway....

What are you thoughts (hope I don't sound like I'm copping out on this one.... I just don't want to tell you something wrong).  I think that your parents birthed you, raised you, and you should respect them-- but I know people came from different experiences than I did.

I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

God Bless You
~Kelly


10 comments:

  1. Dear Kelly, Thanks so much for asking this question. It's one I asked as an adult, and as I prayed God opened up so much for me to see about the importance of this command for adult children. I realized that I loved my parents, but I didn't necessarily always honor them. And studying the Bible showed me there is an age limit for obedience to parents, but not for honor. I've actually written several one-minute devotions about the subject on Bible Love Notes because it is so dear to my heart. If you click here, you can read all 4 about this subject on one page:

    http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/search/label/Series%3A%20Honoring%20Parents

    And I am seriously considering starting a blog that deals with this subject because I so frequently encounter people my age (grandparents) who feel so little respect from their adult children. So many books and speakers address parents treating their children the right way, but so few address adult children treating their parents the right way. Yet, it is a promise with a blessing attached for all who obey it! and it's reiterated in the New Testament as well as the Old (Ephesians 6:2).
    I'd love your feedback about any of the things I've written.
    And I'm also stopping by to pray a blessing on your writing/blogging ministry and to thank you for joining Bless a Blogger Friday this week. May God bless you as you ask good questions! Bless you. Gail

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    1. I think that would be a great idea, Gail. There are thousands of books on how to raise/deal with small kids, but no one tells you how to deal with your adult kids. I've heard (ok from my mother ) that it's harder when your kids are grown than when they are kids. You are doing a great thing with your Blog and I'm glad to be a small part :)

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  2. I believe my husband's desires come before my parents now. But as in everything I also believe I should be respectful of my parents in every way possible. And we have taught our daughters to honor and respect them, too.

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    1. I think respect is different from 'do everythign they say'. Respect/honor is to listen, answer respectfully, and talk things out clearly without raising your voice (even if someone else does).... I'm not good at this lol.

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  3. it's a good question...for me I tried to honour my parents when I became a believer even though they were very abusive. I constantly forgave them and tried to show Christ. It doesn't always work but it's my goal. As for my kids...they're still young. I love them to the moon and back a gizzilion times and am trying to love them the way He loves me.

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    1. IT's all you can do really, Sarah. That and pray about it (I'm sure you are.) I want the same for my kids--I'd love to know if it was getting through lol

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  4. Great thoughts Kelly.
    I totally agree with your comment above, "respect is different from 'do everythign they say'. Respect/honor is to listen, answer respectfully, and talk things out clearly without raising your voice". Honor, to speak highly of, esteem them, brag on them if you will is such a lacking quality in our culture today. And I think that is why there is a lot of confusion, wondering if honor is the same thing as obey. Working with college students, I have to deal with this a lot. Parents who don't want thier child to go on a missions trip. We constantly have to help students understand that they need to obey God over their parents yet honor and respect them and help them think through what that practically looks like.

    Have a great week Kelly!

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    1. Oh... that has to be hard, Laura! I'd probably be one of those parents... not that I don't believe in mission work. I absolutely do.. but it's hard when its your child going to another country. You do a great thing, Laura. With your college kids and your blog..... and your book.

      <3

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  5. ugh... just left a comment and it didn't go through. :( Anyway, I totally agree with your comment, "respect is different from 'do everythign they say'. Respect/honor is to listen, answer respectfully, and talk things out clearly without raising your voice."

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