This summer, I have had the privilege of caring for my great-grandmother while her usual caretaker goes on vacation. I am learning so much from her: family history, tidbits of wisdom, patience, but also honor. Grandma is almost 98 years of age, and care for her is full-time. (She thinks I'm a nurse, as she doesn't really remember who I am.) She is fun-loving and easy going, but a bit fretful and forgetful, which is to be expected at her age. There are times that I send a prayer to heaven as I try to (respectfully) argue with her over something she has to do. I have to watch my tone of voice, and constantly check my attitude. After all, forgetful or not, she is my grandmother, and deserves my respect.
There is no age limit on when a child is told to quit honoring their parents, and the only time a girl is not required to obey her parents is when she gets married. Hence, as a single young woman, I am challenged by God's Word to continue to honor my parents (and in this case, grandparents).
"Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Exodus 20:12
What is the meaning of honor? -And what is it's significance in the lives of young people today?
In Webster's dictionary, honor as a verb has several different definitions, to which the first one is attributed to this verse: "to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to." That's quite the definition.
What does that mean, practically? For me, I think it means:
-never speaking ill of my parents.
-willingly submitting to my parents' standards when I am in their house.
-speaking in a humble spirit.
-asking advice of my parents.
-looking for ways that I can show others how much I appreciate my parents.
-give them "first dibs" of my time (after the Lord, of course).
-do things that please them and deflect praise back to them.
This is not a comprehensive list, but rather ideas that God has shown me as I've spent time here with grandma, and one that I think I will work on my entire life. Do you have some ideas?
There is no age limit on when a child is told to quit honoring their parents, and the only time a girl is not required to obey her parents is when she gets married. Hence, as a single young woman, I am challenged by God's Word to continue to honor my parents (and in this case, grandparents).
"Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." Exodus 20:12
What is the meaning of honor? -And what is it's significance in the lives of young people today?
In Webster's dictionary, honor as a verb has several different definitions, to which the first one is attributed to this verse: "to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to." That's quite the definition.
Reverence- esteem, venerate, fear mingled with affection and respect. -Check out that old English word "venerate;" it's a very cool word that explains honor.
Respect- revere, esteem as worthy.
Deference- yielding to the opinion of another. Willingly limiting my freedom so as not offend.
Submission- yielding to power or authority, obeying, complying, surrendering, yielding one's will to another.Honoring is so much more than merely obedience or compliance; that is only a part of the picture. Right or wrong, parents have a position, given by God, of authority over me. By giving them veneration, I give glory to God. It shows the relationship of the Heavenly Father with His children. HE is what honor is all about.
What does that mean, practically? For me, I think it means:
-never speaking ill of my parents.
-willingly submitting to my parents' standards when I am in their house.
-speaking in a humble spirit.
-asking advice of my parents.
-looking for ways that I can show others how much I appreciate my parents.
-give them "first dibs" of my time (after the Lord, of course).
-do things that please them and deflect praise back to them.
This is not a comprehensive list, but rather ideas that God has shown me as I've spent time here with grandma, and one that I think I will work on my entire life. Do you have some ideas?
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