RULES FOR RAISING PARENTS--
PART 2
Scripture Reading--Proverbs 15:20
"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother."
Here are two more rules for children to follow when they respond to their parents.
3. Honor them. When we honor someone, we place value upon him. Children may honor their parents in several ways. First, they must never allow conflicts to go unresolved. Few things can do more to strengthen relationships than the words, "I was wrong. I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Rather than allowing offenses to build up, children can quickly resolve them and strengthen relationships. Second, it's a blessing for children to go to their parents for counsel. Children reach a point when they no longer directly obey their parents because God has given them a home of their own. Yet parents remain a wonderful God-given source of counsel based on their own experience and on their walk with God.
4. Appreciate them. A spirit of gratitude has a wonderful way of making home a pleasant place. Children should learn to appreciate all Mom and Dad do for them. A fine meal, clean clothes, laundered sheets, and a packed lunch are blessings they must not take for granted. Older children must learn to appreciate things like tuition payments and the use of the car. Once we are ungrateful, it doesn't take long before we begin to take things for granted We will treat carelessly anything we take for granted. Unfortunately, children often assume they deserve all they get. They may even become upset or mad if the meal is different or the car is unavailable. How foolish! Children should let their parents know they are appreciated. Gratefulness on their part will make parents increasingly grateful for their children. Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful."
ASSIGNMENT: Choose a special way to say "thanks" to Mom and Dad. (This works for grownups, too.) A note, a gift, or even a hug will work just fine.
--Tom Palmer--
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