Living for Christ at Home: An Encouragement for Teensنموونە

One of the greatest tests of our spiritual maturity is our attitude and actions at home. Perhaps the hardest relationship teens face is the relationship with their parents. Many of us are familiar with the fifth commandment, and it is easy to dismiss its significance. We may think this command simply means, "obey our parents." In general, we may try to obey our parents when they ask us to do something. However, in Ephesians 6, we are told not only to obey our parents but also to honor them! The word honor is a verb and is defined as "to hold in honor or high respect; revere" (Dictionary.com). Do you hold your parents in honor and high respect? You may be obedient, but are you really honoring them? It is possible to have obedience with a dishonoring heart behind it.

Consider this example: If your parents asked you to clean your room, and you obey—but complain and grumble the whole time—did you honor them? You obeyed, but your heart was in the wrong place. That is not honor! Honor requires both action and attitude. Truly honoring your parents goes deeper than just obedience. We must pray and ask God to give us a heart of service and reverence toward our parents.

In Ephesians, we are called to obey and honor our parents as part of our obedience to the Lord. This means we are not required to obey our parents if they ask us to do something God says is wrong. Also, if your parents are acting in ways that are hurtful to you, consider reaching out to a trusted adult or friend for help. Honoring parents who are acting in dishonorable ways is especially difficult, and you will need the prayers and support from a mature Christian to help you.

The command to honor our parents is a lifelong challenge. While we may not have to obey our parents once we become independent adults, the call to honor them will remain throughout our whole lives. Why not start practicing this lifelong command now so we can be prepared for the future?

If you find it challenging to honor your parents, a simple prayer can help turn your heart toward this mission:

"Lord, help me to honor and serve my parents today. Please give me a heart of service and respect toward them, even when it is difficult. I cannot do this alone, and I need your help to change the attitude of my heart toward my parents. Amen."