It has been a blessing to have my dad visiting with me these last two weeks...looking forward to the next four and a half months to come. This will be the longest that I have spent with him in thirty-six years. He is eighty-eight years old and is faithful to the Lord. As we have been praying, reading, witnessing and fellow-shipping together...I began to think of my responsibilities to my dad.
The Bible teaches us three main principles concerning our parents:
1) Obey (Eph 6:1;Col 3:20)
The issue of obedience relates to action. As one lives under the roof of their parents...they are obligated to obey in all matters. When a daughter is married...the transfer of authority goes to her husband...her father is no longer her head. When a son is married he becomes the head of his home under Christ and not his father. (1Cor 11:3)
2) Honour (Ex 20:12;Eph 6:2)
The issue of honour relates to attitude or respect. This command remains in effect regardless if one lives at home or not. Our parents are always to be treated with respect.
3) Requite (1Tim 5:4)
The issue of requiting relates to making amends. This last command is found in the context of the church’s responsibilities to the widows. This command is to the immediate family to take care of their own. After all family members have been exhausted...then, the church takes them in their care after the widows meet certain qualifications. Nestled in this text is a very important, but often overlooked principle of requiting! It is defined by Webster as: 1.To repay either good or evil; in a good sense, to recompense; to return an equivalent in good; to reward. 2. To do or give in return. Another words...we need to do all that we can to take care of them as they enter their golden years of life. In the gospel accounts... (Mt 15:3-6;Mk 7:9-13) Jesus iterated this very important principle. The Jews had developed certain traditions that were elevated above the word of God...one of these was concerning the matter of giving. Their tradition would exempt them from taking care of their parents if they had dedicated/designated some money (“gift”) to God who was greater than their parents. They promised to give monies, but at the neglect of taking care of their parents. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for elevating this tradition above the clear commands of scripture to honour their parents! (Ex 20:12). Their action made the word of God of “none effect” (Mt 15:6;Mk 7:13) The clear commands of God always take precedence over traditions! Let’s never allow any of our decisions, promises, etc. to make the commandments of God of “none effect”
It is inconceivable how one can nullify the word of God when one considers the following passage...
Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
...but it is possible as Jesus said.
The Bible teaches that believers ought to support their local church, give to missions, building fund, etc. through their tithes and offerings. When it comes to giving above and beyond this...let’s not forget to requite our parents. Let us not neglect them under the pretense of spirituality. Taking care of them and providing for them is a spiritual act.
Bro. Ken Parrett
Joshua 1:8,9
