April 16

The Bible says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise:  'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth'" (Ephesians 6:1-3).  The fact that we can affect the length and quality of our children's lives is reason enough to pray, instruct, and discipline.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Growing up, whenever I heard this scripture quoted, the 'responsibility' was placed on the child(ren).  Often used in conjunction with admonishment for mischievous behavior; we were "scared straight" by the thought of dishonoring our parents leading to an early death.  However, Ms. Omartian puts a different twist on this scripture in her prayer when she says that "we (parents) can affect the length and quality of our children's lives...".  We affect where they live because of the house we provide.  We affect how they develop and mature because of the family, spiritual and educational environments in which we place them.  Even their decision making can be based on watching how we handle certain situations.  But to ponder the fact that I can affect how long and what kind of life my child will experience...WOW!!!

The "Parents and Children" article in the Full Life Study Bible says that parents should "Make your children aware that God is always observing and evaluating what they do, think and say" and "Through example and exhortation, encourage your children to live lives devoted to prayer".  I would offer that we simply give them something to honor and obey! 

Lord, as we encourage our children to live lives devoted to prayer, help us to practice what we preach.  It is no longer acceptable to proclaim "do as I say and not as I do".  We must align what we expect from our children, with what we exhibit to them.  Remind us that our children's perspective of You and how they relate to You will often be connected to their relationship with us.  Thank you for entrusting us with Your seed and allowing us to guide and direct them in this world.  As we honor and obey our Heavenly Father; we declare our children will honor and obey as well...for this is right.  In Jesus name, Amen!