Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." Ephesians 6:1-3

Obey thy father and mother, thus sayeth the Lord! Yeah, right. We certainly don't feel like obeying our parents all the time. For instance, my dad once told me (this is a totally true story) that I had to ride my dirt bike (a sweet Honda CRX 80) over this major drop-off in the deserts of Arizona. I was maybe 11-years old at the time and just couldn't get up the nerve to ride over a 12-foot cliff! Who knew that an 11-year old would freak out about riding his dirt bike over the edge of a cliff?

Anyway, my dad tried bribing me, coercing me, and finally, when neither of those healthy parenting strategies worked, he resorted to threatening me. That's right, my dad threatened punishment if I didn't ride over the edge so he and my older brother could keep on going with their afternoon ride. Out of total bitterness I gunned my engine and shot off over the edge. I hit that edge at full throttle and literally flew through the air and then lost my grip on the bike. Me, the bike, and the birds flying near by flew down the side of the canyon wall and landed in a heap at the bottom with the bike revving its engine and pulling doughnuts on my legs.

Believe it or not, this is not a lesson about disobeying your parents. God tells all followers of Christ to obey their parents, and in fact, this command even comes with a promise. Things will go well for you if you listen to your parents and honor them with your attitude. You will live a long and successful life when you honor your mother and father. My dad's intention was not that I would hurt myself that afternoon. In fact, if I had actually listened and obeyed, instead of being stubborn, I would have heard him trying to tell me how to make my way down safely.

CHECK IT

1. How can you better obey your parents?



2. Is there something you need to apologize for with a parent? Go and ask forgiveness from that parent.



3. When has listening to your parent ever helped you in life?

For more information on Michael and Amy Smalley and The Smalley Marriage and Family Center please visit www.smalleymarriagecenter.com

© Copyright 2007 Smalley Relationship Center

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