Gaining Your Children’s Honor

“Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12) - The Bible teaches that children should honor their parents. It is not an option, but a command from God. But, parents should be honorable parents! How can we gain our children’s honor?

1. LOVE THEM. Parental love is not giving them what they want, but what they need. They need our tender touch. Our kids need our hugs. Don’t let anybody tell you that you’re not supposed to hug your children, grandchildren—even grown children. This gives them a greater confidence and security. Love them by believing in them, dreaming, hoping, and praising them. Listen to them! Love them consistently, giving them time and space to grow through their stages. Love them with your prayers.

2. LIFT THEM. Build them by encouragement. They need encouragement. They need encouragement like a  plant needs water. Over and over, day in and day out!

3. LIMIT THEM. It takes some firm limitations to set children free. So you liberate them by limiting them. A child not disciplined is in bondage to himself. Eli did not limit his boys, and the result was both embarrassment to Eli and the nation of Israel (I Sam. 3:13) Children will naturally push parent’s limitations to see if they will move. Don’t, for if you do your child will lose his sense of security. Please keep in mind that limits must be drawn in love. Every child needs discipline.

4.LEAD THEM. Show them the way. Don’t just tell them! Train them! Show the meaning of character and integrity by demonstrating it! Here’s a list of character traits they should see in parents—contentment, courage, courtesy, fairness, friendliness, generosity, patience, self-control, thankfulness, thriftiness, and wisdom. And let all of your leading bring them to Christ.

5. LAUGH WITH THEM. Lighten up some! Learn to laugh! Happy is the home where there is fun and the sound of laughter. Human beings are the only creatures God made with the ability to laugh, weep, and blush. Let the sunshine in and let your children see you even laughing at yourself. Make your house the happiest place on the block!

Yes, as parents—you can become honor-worthy by loving, lifting, limiting, leading and laughing with your children.

  —Clarence DeLoach

  via Lewisburg, TN