AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
April 2024
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Longing for Freedom7/3/2022 Longing for Freedom
Passion for Liberty Terry R. Baughman “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36 NKJ). Something in our DNA gives us a longing for freedom. Once we have experienced freedom after having endured bondage there is an insatiable desire to cast off the chains of oppression and walk in liberty. Ruthless regimes of tyranny and authoritarian leadership often live in fear of the masses turning against them to thwart their plans and overthrow their control. If enough people unite in their rejection of subjugation rebellion ensues and there is a strong cry for independence. This has been the story of humanity throughout millennia. The lessons of the Exodus and the victorious deliverance from the taskmasters of Egypt have provided inspiration to many people suffering subjugation and the oppression of slavery. “Let my people go,” became the rallying cry of those who resisted enslavement and sought for justice against repression. In the formation of our own country of the United States of America we are inspired by the courage of those who resisted domination of British forces. The cry of Patrick Henry resonates in our own hearts as he stated his bold declaration, “Give me liberty or give me death.” This was not mere rhetoric or a political speech. It was the cry of urgency in the Virginia Convention as he sought to mobilize the colonists to revolt against the tyranny of the British. He asked them, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” He then answered his own question, “Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” The speech by Patrick Henry must have resonated with the colonists because a little over a year later the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Courageous signers of the document confirmed their own commitment to the cause, and for some it became a death sentence. According to news commentator Paul Harvey, “Of the 56 signers of the Declaration, few were long to survive. 5 were captured by the British and tortured before they died, 12 had their homes … sacked and looted, occupied by the enemy or burned. Two of them lost their sons in the Army; one had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 died in the War from its hardships or from its more merciful bullets.” He said, “They had learned that liberty is so much more important than security, that they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” In a more recent example of such courage in defense of freedom is the country of Ukraine. When the Russian armies converged on multiple fronts and attempted a rapid overthrow of the smaller nation, most of the world believed the Ukrainians would evacuate and surrender to the opposing forces. The US offered assistance to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for safe passage out of the country and into exile. His response revealed unexpected courage and inspired the nation of Ukraine to resist the onslaught of Russian missiles and artillery launched from approaching ground forces. Zelensky said, “I don’t need a ride I need ammunition!” The bravery exhibited by thousands of Ukrainians have illustrated the passion with which they value their independence and are willing to fight for liberty from an authoritarian state. Let us exhibit the same courage as we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the message that promises the greatest liberty of all, freedom from sin and release from the bondage of spiritual oppression! Jesus promises freedom like no other … and, “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36 NKJ). Theme passage: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NKJ).
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Captivity of Sin6/26/2022 Captivity of Sin
Passion for Liberty Terry R. Baughman “The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21 NKJ. The ability to do what you want is often equated to liberty. There is a certain freedom that comes with maturity and allows us to make our own decisions, however with that freedom also comes responsibility. We can go where we want, but we have to put fuel in the car. We can drive where we want, but there are rules for the road and consequences if we break the law. We can eat whatever we want, but it may make us sick or we may not be able to afford the meals we crave. So, for every liberty we are given, there is the equal weight of responsibility. The condition of humanity is that we were born into a world of corruption. Though we grow into maturity, part of that growth is an awareness that our actions have consequence and life is full of disappointments, pain, and limitations imposed upon our personal freedoms. Those who embrace liberty and cast off all restraints find themselves in increasing bondage. The more freedoms are abused the more constriction of personal liberty is experienced. Paul talked about the “bondage of corruption” that we resist. It is the condition of every individual born into a world of depravity. All of creation was affected by the disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Humanity’s sin produced far-reaching ramifications throughout the generations and its effects were revealed in nature. Thorns and thistles grew. Weeds choked out produce, and pests proliferated causing disease and death to thwart healthy growth. He said, “Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay” (Romans 8:20–21 NLT). Captivity indicates we have lost liberty rather than gained freedoms. When we are held captive there is bondage, limitation, and subjugation. We are not free in the condition of sin any more than the earth is free of sin’s curse. Those who tout their freedom and persist in sin are simply deceived. Peter spoke of those when he wrote, “They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you” (2 Peter 2:18–19 NLT). The good news is that Jesus came, “to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18 NKJ). He saw us in our bondage and came to us in our affliction. He speaks freedom and release from the things that have robbed our freedom. When Jesus sets us free from sin we are truly free! The release we have experienced in our spiritual relationship with Christ shall be revealed in eternity future as we cast off the works of darkness and embrace the light that brings true liberty in Him. Theme passage: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NKJ).
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God is our Father6/19/2022 God is our Father
Future Hope Terry R. Baughman “Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change” (James 1:17 TPT). God could have chosen to reveal himself in many ways. He could have appeared as a towering giant, arrived as an incredible force like the winds of a storm, adopted the shape as an unusual animal, or descended on the earth as an alien in a spacecraft. Of all the various images or adaptations He could have chosen to make Himself known in the world, He chose rather to be a Father, our Heavenly Father. At times throughout history God revealed Himself as an angel of the Lord, a burning bush, or the fourth man in the furnace of fire with the three Hebrews. However, when He came to reveal His plan of redemption for fallen humanity, He adopted the appearance of a newborn and grew up among us. To personally identify with all people He became one of us, the Almighty God veiled in flesh. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJ). The incarnation brought a distant deity in contact with humanity. Paul said, “God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJ). Paul also wrote, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJ). This manifestation of God was near, real, and personal. He came with a purpose, “To seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 9:10 NKJ), but He also came to establish a familial relationship with His created ones. He didn’t come to be our superhero; He came to be our Father. We are His children! The most endearing relationship God could devise was that of a father and family. As our Heavenly Father, He embodies every quality that He envisioned in a relationship with us. All of heaven’s resources are available to Him and to us through our requests. Jesus said, “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22 NKJ). Jesus reminded us that our, “Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8 NKJ). However, prayer is a privilege and Jesus gave us this example for prayer. He said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name …” (Matthew 6:9 NKJ). In our first address of prayer we recognize that everything flows from “Our Father.” Not all earthly fathers have the sterling characteristics that God desires to exhibit in fatherhood. Some fathers have been abusive, selfish, overbearing, and even cruel, but that is not what God intended for fathers to be. He modeled the perfect father. He modeled the characteristics of being loving, self-sacrificing, kind, approachable, considerate, merciful, forgiving, and on and on. Indeed He is a “good, good father!” Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 NKJ). Theme passage: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).
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Together with God6/12/2022 “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:15–16 NIV).
Growth is a natural part of life processes. It is assumed that every living organism will develop in maturity. Just as plants, animals, and humans grow it is also assumed that our spiritual relationships will flourish as we connect with the body under the leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ as the head of the spiritual body. Jesus, as the head of the body, provides direction and a pattern for our development. In our growth of discipleship it is also assumed that we will take on the characteristics of our head; that we will become more like Jesus in our maturation. All coordination and networking proceeds from Him. As Paul wrote, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16 NIV). It is “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28 NKJ). All operations of the body flow from Christ. We are not independent segregated parts who direct our own thoughts and plans, rather we are an integrated network of cooperation to fulfill God’s divine purpose. That’s not to imply there is no contribution of our own efforts. When working together we are connected, supporting one another and growing through the involvement of each part. All parts of the body supply and support the normal maturity of development. It all works as we work together. It’s not just “me and Jesus!” It is me and Jesus and everyone else in the body that God has designed and drawn in. Paul stated, “You yourselves are taught by God to love one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:9 NKJ). He said, “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 NKJ). Peter wrote in agreement, “All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8 NKJ). It is noteworthy that the body “grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16 NIV). Love is the natural byproduct of our spiritual relationship with God. John revealed that, “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16 NKJ). In our connection with God, His love is manifest and multiplied. The body of Christ will be identified by our love for one another. John wrote, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJ). As followers of Christ we desire truth and have a passion to learn His truth and share it with others. That is a good and well intentioned purpose, however, we are reminded that the key to maturity is, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV). Our attitude should not be, “Well, it’s the truth!” Rather, we should learn the delicate art of tempering our tone as we share the truth of the Gospel. The end result is not to win an argument, but to win another to know Christ and experience His love. We are working together with God! Theme passage: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).
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Children are the Future6/5/2022 “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39 NKJ).
God is keenly interested in our children. Not just ours personally, but all children. Each one is important to God and He takes special interest in each of them. Children represent the continuance of the species, the future of humanity. Without children our days would be numbered and humanity would face certain extinction. From the beginning of the lifecycles there is innate in every living thing the creative ability for reproduction that assures the future viability of that living organism. While humans may live productive and full lives without giving birth to children, there will be no future generations for those who are unable or choose not to bring children into the world. God made provisions in the law for the most vulnerable among us, from the unborn to those left as orphans without the provision and protection of parents. The Lord God, “Defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18 NIV). We find those expectations throughout the Scripture. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17 NIV). Injustice against children will suffer retribution. Jesus showed kindness to children. In the Gospels people brought their little children to Jesus that He might place his hands on them and pray for them. When the disciples rebuked the people and sought to keep the children at a distance and away from Jesus, He ordered them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:13–14 NIV). In another setting Jesus motioned for a child to come and made him an example as He taught. He said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3–4 NIV). It is apparent that God values the innocence and trust exhibited by a child and elevates those virtues for all to emulate. Children are included in the kingdom of God and they are the future of the church! The children were not left out of the picture when the church was ushered in on the Day of Pentecost. Following the instruction of the Lord they waited in Jerusalem for the outpouring of God’s Spirit, not fully understanding what would happen. Just as Jesus directed they waited in prayer. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out with dramatic signs. The sound of a rushing mighty wind was heard and tongues like fire appeared over their heads. All began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them the ability. When the crowds gathered to see what the noise was all about, Peter explained that this was part of Joel’s prophecy, “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17 NKJ). Yes, the children, sons and daughters, were included in the birth of the church. As Peter concluded his message that day he extended the future promise, “to you and to your children” (See Acts 2:38–39). Children are the future and our hope! Theme passage: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).
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God in our Future5/29/2022 God in our Future
Future Hope Terry R. Baughman “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8 NKJ). One of the unique characteristics of God is His omnipresence. He is everywhere at the same time. He doesn’t leave one place to be another. He can be present with us and also be with millions of others at the same time, and because God is also eternal He is not bound only to the present. He is also present in our past and our future, all concurrently. John quoted the Lord declaring Himself to be “the beginning and the end.” He started the alphabet and concludes it at the same time. He was (in our past); He is (in our present); and He is to come (in our future). While we are bound to time and all events must fit into only one of three states of being, God is not bound to time, but He exists eternally present in every moment of our past, present, and future. God lives in our past and sees our first sin, but choses grace over judgment, because He also hears our prayer of repentance and sees our resolve to change through the power of the Gospel. The Word of God is powerful to transform lives and the process of our first step toward Him and our last breath, before we are in eternity with Him, exists in a single moment. He is the Almighty. There is no power outside of His control, no impossible situations with Him, and His strength, His knowledge, and His presence are never separated from Him. He holds all in His hand and in His control. Nothing is impossible with God. A study of His characteristics builds our faith in His complete ability to do everything we need! While we are keenly aware of His presence in the past, due to His intervention in our lives and the transformation He has worked in us, we may not be aware of His present involvement in our lives. We may be even less convinced that He is now in our future working all things for our good. Right now, God is with us. He is aware of our limitations, our lack of faith, and our struggle to believe. He is now working to bring us into a closer relationship with Him, even allowing some of our disappointments that will drive us to prayer and cause us to look to God for answers. We prefer the path of least resistance and instant answers to the hurried prayers we whisper, but God knows that real and lasting change often comes slowly through our greatest challenges. He is more interested in us developing character than enjoying comfort. He prefers to bring us into a fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ above us having a carefree existence of selfish indulgence. Most importantly, God is already in our future and He is coaching us along the way through every hard choice and difficult decision. We may question His wisdom and resist His plan, but the One who is already there in the future can surely give us direction and purpose for traveling there. Perhaps this understanding will make the passage more meaningful, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJ). God is in our future and He is doing all things for our good. That gives us future hope! Theme passage: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).
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Honoring Others5/22/2022 Honoring Others
Honor that is Due Terry R. Baughman “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:9–10 NIV). Honor should neither be an antiquated word nor an outdated characteristic. The principle of honor, deep respect or high esteem, has long been engrained in our society for judges, for public officials, for offices of leadership, and for religious leaders. The respectful title, The Honorable, was used as a preface to addressing members of congress and those who filled the bench of the courts. Such titles of honor has been commonly accepted decorum, dictated by unwritten rules of etiquette that controlled social interaction for centuries. Within the last fifty years there has been an erosion of respect for leadership throughout the culture. From the anti-establishment revolution of the Vietnam-era 70’s protests, to the unleashed verbal exchange on social media and on talk radio. The decline has accelerated as abusive speech and critical attacks have increased in the political arena. No longer is there a careful use of proper titles for formal address, such as: The Honorable Judge Stevens, or the Reverend Pastor Jones, or President Washington. Rather, we are as likely to hear slanderous nicknames and offensive monikers to refer to national leaders. There has been a general loss of respect for others, and honor has been dismissed along with civility in society. Whether or not we agree with a person’s political position, religious affiliation (or lack), or their origins, there should be respect for all people. Honor is for more than leaders or officials, it should be given to all humanity. Since we all share the planet and are members of the human race let there be mutual respect among us. The Scripture teaches us to, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV). If our love is sincere we must elevate others above ourselves. This is more than appreciation for a peer or the give-and-take of respect, it is learning to promote others ahead of us. Giving honor is not intended to be a begrudging obligation, but rather it should be a joyful opportunity. The New Living Translation says, “Take delight in honoring each other.” In the New King James Version it is stated, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10 NKJ). Our respect for others is an outgrowth of our kind affection. The demonstration of our love through kind actions and the honor with which we speak of others is an extension of our discipleship. Jesus repeatedly instructed the disciples, “Love one another” (John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17). He said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJ). Love will motivate us to good deeds and positive words of affirmation. As we honor others we will find others returning respect towards us. The golden rule works. As we extend grace, we receive it. As we show love, we are shown it. As we respect others, we find that we are being respected. Through it all God is glorified and the kingdom of God is magnified. Theme passage: “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)
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Honoring Leaders5/15/2022 Honoring Leaders
Honor that is Due Terry R. Baughman “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV). There has been a general erosion of respect for leadership in the last decade. Granted some leaders have not acted in such a way as to inspire respect, but that doesn’t give us permission to disparage leaders with our words or attitudes. Social media has created an environment where it is acceptable to verbally attack any individual regardless of their position or influence. Sometimes the more notable individuals are, the most viciously they may be criticized. So much so, people who engage in online harassment or inflammatory posts on social media are now broadly identified as trolls and their activity is called trolling. If we are not careful we may be caught up in the negative fray of such social discourse and it may even begin to affect our personal interactions in public. It is always appropriate to respect a person and allow for their individual freedom of expression. Elders should always be shown some deference for their age and experience. That doesn’t mean that they are always right (obviously that’s not the case), or that we shouldn’t listen to someone who is our junior because they are always wrong (neither is true). However, it is always right to allow a person to express themselves and then respectfully offer counter views when you are not in agreement. With some individuals it may require simply stopping the discussion when it becomes obvious that there is no mutual respect for civil discussion. Respect can always be given for a leaders’ position, even if their character (or lack of character) does not engender respect. You can honor Judges, even if you know of one who has acted unhonorably. Police officers may be respected even when there have been some who are unworthy of respect. Preachers and church leaders may have disappointed you in the past, but Paul instructs his son in the Gospel, Timothy, to show honor to those who take the responsibility to heart and execute it well. There was a time when the local clergyman was among the most esteemed in the community. Every holiday or celebration would not be complete without the participation of the local clergy. Church was the center of every early American community. Prayers were offered at every civic occasion by the priest or minister of the local parish or church. Often the church house was a place of worship on Sunday and was also the schoolhouse through the week. In many small towns a church is surrounded by a cemetery where many past members have been interred. The church was a place to celebrate birth, marriages, life celebrations, and memorials. In our culture there is much less respect for the church and ministry. Some of the criticism is deserved as not all have served the Lord with honor. However, Paul gave instruction to give double honor to those elders “who direct the affairs of the church well … especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV). The work of ministry is work, and those who conscientiously serve should be afforded honor and respect. Jesus Christ is the head of the church and there are many members who serve together. There is not just one leader, but many within the body. May we be careful to honor all those who lead with integrity and devotion. It is the right thing to do! Theme passage: “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)
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Honoring Mothers5/8/2022 Honoring Mothers
Honor that is Due Terry R. Baughman “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV). Listed among the Ten Commandments, right before the “don’t commit murder, adultery, and theft,” is this instruction: “Honor your father and your mother.” It’s not a suggestion or a simple reminder to be kind to your elders; it’s a command! It is one of the top ten that’s engraved on everything from the doors of the Supreme Court down to novelty charms for a cheap tourist trinket. It was important enough to rank right after, no other gods, idolatry, misusing God’s name, and honoring the Sabbath. The first four of the Commandments are concerning our relationship with God. The next six have more to do with our relationships with one another. “Honor your father and your mother” is the fifth Commandment and the first one with a promise attached. Paul noted that it is the first commandment with a conditional promise. (See Ephesians 6:1–3.) The promise was, and is, “… so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV). Not only is it right and good to honor mother and father, but it is also a promise with a blessing in return. What does it mean to honor? The simple definition is to regard with great respect, or to highly esteem. While it may be more natural to respect fathers for their leadership and authority, God commanded the same honor for both father and mother. There will always be times of disagreement or debate, even in the best of homes. Challenges will come and the opportunity for disrespect and the absence of honor toward the parents. We will do well to remember that God’s commandments are greater than our sense of injustice or our injured pride in times of conflict. Mothers are typically the more nurturing of the parents. It is often the mom to which a child will run for sympathy, comfort, or emotional support. That’s not to say that fathers do not have these qualities, but mothers characteristically have a unique bond that springs from their birth connection. The opposite of honor is to dishonor, to disrespect, or to denigrate. Anytime a child shows disrespect toward their parents, God takes notice. Left unchecked, these adverse attitudes will erode their relationships and negate the promise that is contained in God’s Word. His word is true, His commandments are to be taken seriously, and His promises are sure. However, the consequences of a failure to follow God’s direction will also have a conditional promise. Blessings are promised to those who obey, but judgment will come to those who disregard God’s Word and reject His commands. For most of us it is a privilege to honor our mothers, but for those who were not so blessed with a caring mother, it becomes more of a challenge to fulfill this commandment. It is always right to regard those who gave us life and know that God does not make mistakes. We are here on purpose and God has a plan for every life. For that reason we can always honor the life we have been given and the person who gave us birth. Theme passage: “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)
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Honoring Parents5/1/2022 Honoring Parents
Honor that is Due Terry R. Baughman “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1–3 NIV). Some may observe that there is a general lack of respect in our culture for elders, in general, and parents, in particular. Many children are not taught to listen to elders and may even be encouraged to voice their opinions loudly without consideration of others who may know a thing or two in any given situation. Discipline is woefully missing in many homes and children are allowed to have free rein without any correction or instruction to direct their lives for a more productive and civil outcome. Parents are to be honored. The commandment is as old as the original laws delivered from the Lord. Not only is it one of the Ten Commandments, but it is also joined with a promise, “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3 NIV). Long and good life are promised to those who give honor to their father and mother. God is sincere and He emphasizes His commitment to those who follow His instruction with a promise. Children are instructed to obey their parents. This is not a blanket provision to excuse abuse or mistreatment of children with unreasonable exceptions, but the qualifier, “in the Lord,” is added to the commandment. As long as parents are following godly leadership and developing Christ-like character, children have an obligation to follow their instructions. Paul emphasized, “for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1 NIV). A child of any age cannot truly honor their parents if they disobey them, disrespect them, or disregard their instructions in life. A child may not always agree with the conclusion of their parents, but they have a God-given obligation to respect their position, give attention to their instruction, and then do their best to fulfill their parents wishes. We can always point to the unreasonable request, or the overbearing parent. God will take care of those situations and that type of parent will have to answer to Him for their hard sentences and unyielding demands. In general most parents have the desire to honor God in the way they lead their children and given light and wisdom to fulfill the promises of God. When sincere parents speak to their children in love, and speak civilly to those given into their charge, God will hold the child responsible to respond correctly. That doesn’t mean the child has no opinion or that they should simply obey without question, but rather that the God-fearing family will be led in a mutually respectful fashion. Long life is promised to those who will simply honor their parents. This isn’t just for children, respect is due and honor is needed for parents and children of any age. Let us practice honor as children so that when we become parents and grandparents we may also reap the reward of respect and be crowned with honor from our children. Theme passage: “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV) |