Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise),
There are two concerns that parents need to deal with:
On the other hand, how can we expect our children to honor us when we are far less than perfect?
But, on the one hand, it is a command that children honor their parents…and we are called to help them do just that
So…as one imperfect parent to another, may I make two suggestions:
- Pray, namely, talk with God about your concerns and listen to Him. Really listen. Seek His guidance as you read and meditate on His Word,
- And secondly, walk in humility before God… and your children so that when the opportunity avails itself, be open to discussing your failures with your sons and daughters, and your hopes for them
So…remember that the only lasting legacy we really can ever leave this world will be through our children.
Let me conclude with this thought:
unless we grapple with this,
we will fail our children, and dishonor our Heavenly Father.