“Lessons Not Yet Learned from Mom and Dad”
Eph. 6:1 ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Eph. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
Eph. 6:3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (English Standard Version)
Our pastor preached on Ephesians 6:1-3 this morning. He was especially speaking to young people under the age of 18. I am seventy-two. In fact, my parents have been gone for way over 18 years, so it was tempting for me to think, “Well, this sermon isn’t for me!”
However, three things gave me pause for thought about dismissing the pastor’s sermon. First, I never really grew up. Second (and related to the first observation), I am still struggling with lessons I should have learned when I was nine years old. Third, I have a Heavenly Father, and I need to learn how to obey and honor God more than I do. Maybe some of the things my parents tried to teach me would also be a good way of obeying and honoring God.
While I need to think more about this, it is sometimes helpful to list initial impressions in response to a good sermon, a book, or other stimulating stuff. So, I made a quick list of things my parents tried to teach me.
- Work hard,
- Care for others.
- Take care of yourself.
- Don’t eat too much.
- Be careful.
- Don’t expect too much.
- Always say, “Thank you!”
- Don’t take bad about others or to others.
- Be careful with your money.
- Don’t be so full of yourself.
- Don’t complain.
- Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve.
Some of these I do better with than others. When my parents were trying to teach me these lessons, I often thought my folks were out of touch with reality. I have since concluded that their son was the one who wasn’t living in reality.
What lessons did your parents try to teach you? Admittedly, not all of the lessons were good, I’m sure. But were there some that were helpful? I’d love to hear from you as to what your parents taught you. Shoot me an email, if you get a chance.
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