Ephesians 6:1-3, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'”
I always was interested in this verse because of the second half, “which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” It makes me laugh because I feel like this verse could have been written by my Mom or Dad growing up. I can hear them saying, “Just listen to me, I know best.” Parents usually do know best. I mean they’ve lived a little and if they are walking with God, they’re probably trying pretty hard to help you become the man or woman God created you to be.
My mom used to always marvel at the Old Testament rules and regulations. She would always talk about how interesting it was that all these particular rules could really be to help keep the people safe. Like ceremonial hand washing or not eating certain types of meat. It could honestly be argued that some of those rules are just enforcing good hygiene and food storage/preservation techniques. The people of the Old Testament probably weren’t thinking that at the time. They probably only thought of how they should follow what was asked of them.
That’s how we should be with our parents. When your parents give you a curfew, won’t let you go to that party, won’t let you date that guy/girl, make you clean your room, or study for a little while longer, they probably have your best interest in mind. They want it to go well with you. They want to teach you how to be a good, hardworking person. Now not every parent is perfect, but your parents are most likely doing their best to make you into a strong, hardworking, Christian adult! The only perfect person is Jesus, that’s why He died; to forgive you and your parent when we all mess up. But they most likely are trying to help you grow. Live into that!
This week, instead of getting upset when you are told what to do, try and walk through it from your parent’s perspective. What are they trying to teach you? How does this rule help you? It may not make you like it any better, but it could bring some new perspective.