Thursday 22 July 2021

Teenager in crisis ?

2 Timothy 3.2 - For men will be... rebellious to their parents.

There have always been rebellious children, but this phenomenon has worsened dramatically in recent decades. When I was a child there was little adolescent crisis, but today it "infects" almost all families. The rebellion against parents in our century is even encouraged by governments that pass laws that increasingly undermine parental authority. Some policies will go so far as to say that children belong to the state, not to parents...

The Bible is clear about the submission of children to parents and the need to "honor" them (Exodus 20.12 and Ephesians 6.1). I think submission becomes more optional when the child has left the parental nest, but honoring is permanent. To honor your parents is to talk about them with respect, whether they are good parents or bad parents. If there is nothing in them that deserves honor, at least avoid "smearing" them.

As for submission, there are nevertheless some exceptions. Peter reminds us to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). To submit to parents is to obey God unless they command us to do something that is contrary to the Word of God. Exception also if they ask us for something that is illegal. Finally we must stand before the face of the Lord if they command us something that strikes our conscience. But even in these cases, a cheeky and derogatory attitude is to be avoided.

Apart from these few exceptions, as long as I am a child under my parents roof, I must be submissive, for my own well-being. How many young people's lives have been wasted because of the disobedience.

My beloveds, I would also like to have a thought for spiritual parents. You will find excellent advice from them. Honor such men and women and the Lord will bless you.

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)