Honoring Your Parents Part 2

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)

Most of the time a heart that submits boils down to paying attention to the little things. What are some of these little things?

-Your Attitude: Your attitude has to do with your moods. And your moods can be right and godly, or they can be sinful. Stop for a minute and think about your attitude. Is it generally cheerful, energetic, helpful, positive, giving, and respectful? Or do you tend to mope around, grunt and grumble, resent your parents, your family, and your responsibilities? Do you seem to be stomping through your days with an irritable attitude?

We need a huge attitude adjustment each and every day. It is crucial to spend time in the Word every morning to prepare our hearts for our day ahead. If we fail to have this all important time with God, we are doomed for the day. And so is everyone else! They better beware, give us a wide path, and stay out of our way! Right?

-Your Room: Have you ever thought about the fact that your room is part of your parents home? Yes, you’re responsible for it, but it’s not yours—it’s theirs (and ultimately God’s). We can honor our parents as we honor their property? Whatever your parents are asking of you in terms of neatness, cleanliness, noise, rules, etc. go the extra mile and do it better, with a cheerful spirit. Just like Jesus said, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:41)

A Heart Check:

1. How would you describe your general attitude around the house? (How do you think your parents would describe it? Your brothers and sisters?)
2. After answering question #1, what specific changes are you going to make?
3. Is there something, anything you can do right this minute to take care of your room? Anything you’ve been neglecting, putting off, or just plain ol’ rebelling against doing? Honor your parents by doing it now!