a "Cod-image" because they have never known a true father-image. This is tragic! Professing Christian children ought never to develop anti-parental attitudes. If they do, they will be living a life outside the will of God. It is a fact that attitude toward parents usually de termines attitude towards God! This bestowment is a deserving honor. To our parents we owe our live. Giving us life, however, is only a small part of our debt to parents. What parent ever kept a ledger account? Did you know that the average child, up to the age of 18, requires an expenditure of about $20,000. Honoring parents is a vital build ing block of mankind. God intends this respect to saturate the entire social structure. Without it there is anarchy and chaos. Such require ment should be amenable to our conscience! Such honor is required because of our Lord's example. Luke 2:51 plainly tells us that "he was sub ject unto his parents." While He was born the "Son of God," He was also born the "Son of man." He was superior to his parents in every area of life yet for their sakes He was willing to be their subordinate! Reverence should be the start ing point. When Jonathan Edwards entered his home, his children rose to pay their respect. This virtue is part and parcel of true greatness! John Ruskin testified, "Among the most beautiful things that dwell in my memory is my mother's godly life." Many have been the testi monies of great men and women concerning their parents. Conf idence and consideration should
be extended to our parents. There should be no barriers. Keep the channels of communication open. None are more interested in you than they are. Possibly none will pray for you more fervently than they will.,They may not keep pace with contemporary things but that does not outdate them! Never write them off, not even after they have left this world's scene! Never forget the physical care which you can provide for them (Matt. 15:4, Mark 7:10). Children are apt to become selfish and pos sessive. The life-cycle does reverse itself. Those who cared for us in our infancy may need our care in old age! Extenuating circumstances may forces us to place our parents in a home of some kind, but let it always be remembered that our required honor must be fulfilled for as long as their life shall last. Our service is out of a heart of love. Let the honor flow also from joy and cheerfulness! Providence designed it so that ourfirstglimpse of our parents is that of the upward look! Let it never be reversed! Note the text which promises, "That thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giv- eth thee." This is to be generally, and not specifically, interpreted. You will be at peace. That is worth far more than any legacy you might receive. The day may soon be here for some of you, it is already here for many of us, when your parents will be gone! Honor your parents today! In so doing, you will not only reverence them, but also the God who gave them to you. Give yourself the best chance to live out a life with no regrets! Page 31
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