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The fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12 says “Honor your father and our mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This is the only Commandment that comes with a direct promise attached to it. When the home begins to decay, the nation begins to decay!
There is a battle today within the family. Many fathers are missing in the home. Life style choices in deconstructing gender is being normalized within the culture. The world is out to redefine the family’s image. God gave us families for living together, children need families for guidance and nurturing. Families are needed for instruction. Remember, they learn first in the home, the teaching of the Commandments is the family’s responsibility!
Teach your children to honor you. Whether you’re worthy of it or not, there’s a sense that all children ought to honor their parents. Take an inner heart inspection. You’re not perfect but are you living your life honorably? Do you have goals to be a godly parent or grandparent? Proverbs 22:6 says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Love your children and grandchildren. Tell them you love them all the time. Hug them all the time, pray with them daily. Tell them they are a blessing to you. Listen to them when they share their joys and sorrows. Praise them when it’s deserved. Give them confidence when they have doubts and uncertainties. Allow them to be children and enjoy the innocence of childhood. Give them wise encouragement. Colossians 2:21 says “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
Your children can honor you when you set healthy limits. Stand firm. Caving in and allowing them to do something that goes against your principles is foolish. Provers 6:27 says “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?”
Parents, teach your children the great qualities of good character. There are many, here are a few: courtesy, friendliness, discernment, honesty, humility, kindness, obedience and thankfulness. Learn to compliment character more than talent. [bctt tweet=”Finally, learn to laugh with your children. Laughter is God’s gift to us. Life is so full of sadness and adversity, it is important to laugh…at appropriate things of course. Luke 6:21 says “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Laughter is a blessing.” username=”LibertyCF3″]
Finally, learn to laugh with your children. Laughter is God’s gift to us. Life is so full of sadness and adversity, it is important to laugh…at appropriate things of course. Luke 6:21 says “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Laughter is a blessing. Let your children see you laugh at yourselves, at your own mistakes. Let your children see you laugh in times of trouble; that means God is over it all!
Commit to honoring your spouse in front of your children. Establish a rule of absolute respect as mom and dad. Encourage our children’s friend to honor their parents. On special occasions, such as birthdays, Mothers’ Day or Father’s Day, have your children make cards for your spouse, expressing their love for them. This teaches them the importance of acknowledging meaningful occasions. Remind them they will be lifted up in liberty when their own children will honor them some day. [email-download-link namefield=”YES” id=”241″]
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