Love, Honor, and Respect

Ephesians 6:2-4 (NIV) "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise—"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Colossians 3:20-21 (NIV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." Luke 10:27 (NIV) He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself." 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV) "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." As a child, I was always taught to obey my parents and grandparents, and anyone else who held positions of authority and leadership. It wasn't always an easy task, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. When I failed to follow the rules of respect and obedience, there were always consequences. After experiencing a challenging situation in our family recently, I was reminded that our attitude and respect toward each other is a direct reflection of our attitude toward God. I'll say it again....our attitude and respect toward each other is a direct reflection of our attitude toward God. Think about that for a moment or two. Do you truly believe it? There are many bible verses about loving and respecting each other, and when we do, it certainly pleases God. Dear Friend, how about you? How is your attitude toward your children? Have you lead them as God would have you lead them, or have you embittered them? How about your spouse, or your parents? Do you love them and repect them as God would have you do? Take a few moments right now and ask God to help you become the person that He would have you be, so that when others see you and think about you, they clearly see God living in you. Thankful for Godly Instruction, Dave Henry