Today is Mother’s Day! I am so thankful that God has given me a godly mother to raise and teach me. On Mother’s Day we often give gifts to our moms or grandmas, or take them out to eat, or write them a special card; we make sure they get a special treatment on this special day. This is a wonderful thing to do! But the Bible shows us that honoring our mother (and father) is a constant commitment. In these verses we see the way in which we ought to obey and honour, a reason to to do so, and the result of doing so.
The Way: “in the Lord”
When we obey our parents, or any authority for that matter, it ought to be with a Christlike attitude. We see the example of perfect obedience when Jesus obeyed His Heavenly Father. He showed perfect trust in God’s plan, and although the task was unpleasant, to say the least, He was completely submitted to God’s will. In the same way we should obey our parents, if we are still under their authority, as long as what they are asking us to do does not go against God (the ultimate authority).
“And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36)
“and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8)
The Reason: “for this is right” “[it] is the first commandment with promise”
Paul writes that we ought to obey our parents in the Lord because it is the right thing to do. He isn’t just talking about a thing that is desirable or will get us a pat on the back, he is saying that obeying our parents is is truly the right thing to do at its very core because God commanded it. When God commands something, it is, without question, the right thing to do.
“Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:3)
The Result: “that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth”
While these verses are specifically addressed to children, they have a lifelong impact. When we are obedient, we are at peace with God and our parents. Obedience results in a joyful, long life. Disobedience and sin eventually result in guilt and death.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12)
This week, if you are still under the care and authority of your parents, strive to obey and honor them in the Lord with a Christlike attitude. If you are older, make sure you continue to honor them. Consider taking the time to thank them for all they have done for you. And let all those moms and grandmas out there know that we appreciate their investment in us not only on Mother’s Day, but every day!
Have a blessed week,
Mission
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