Respect for parents is important… and whether your kids have it or not depends on you.
As I write, it’s the Christmas season and our house is uncharacteristically full of all kinds of treats.
A few days ago our youngest son asked my wife if he could have an extra sweet treat, even though he’d already had his for the day.
My wife replied that she would think about it and get back to him.
He said,
A statement like that could be taken as…
That got me thinking about respect for parents…
I wonder as our children are leaving the house (one son is already married and expecting his first child), what they will think of me in years to come…
Q: Will they look at my life and see one that is consistent, or
Q: Will they see one that is hypocritical?
[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#f9f676″ border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]If my children are going to respect me, I have to life a life worth respecting. – TWEET THIS[/dropshadowbox]My constant prayer is that the LORD will guide me in the way of humility and truth.I want to always be willing to make adjustments so that I can live consistent with what I talk.
If my children are going to respect me, I have to live a life that is worthy of respect… and that requires a vibrant relationship with Christ.
How are you doing in YOUR RELATIONSHIP with Christ?
I’m not asking you if you are reading a certain amount of scripture every day.
I’m not asking you how many minutes of prayer you are logging.
I’m asking you whether or not you are engaging in RELATIONSHIP with Jesus, your LORD.
It likely will include time in the scriptures.
It should include time in prayer.
But those alone don’t indicate whether the RELATIONSHIP is good or not.
Your relationship with Christ will only be good if you devote time to drawing close to Him. Like any other relationship, you have to work hard at it.
Your commitment to a regular, intimate relationship with Jesus is what will fuel the kind of life your kids need to see. What are your struggles… and how can I pray for you?
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I think it’s wise for everyone to start with themselves. In marriage, women should concentrate on being wives while their husbands should work on being better husbands. Too often, we flip it around and have one spouse focusing on how the other could be better.
I see the same function in the parent-child relationship. I happen to believe that children should honor their parents no matter what. However, it’s wise for parents to work hard on changing themselves rather than just simply railing on their kids.
@Loren Pinilis Excellent point Loren. It is easy to point fingers instead of taking personal stoke. Human nature I guess. Thanks for the input!