June 18
"Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely, “that it may go well with you and that you will live a long time on the earth." - Ephesians 6:2-3 (NET)
While the exact date of Father's Day varies, it is an awesome June day first celebrated in America in 1910 to honor our Fathers. Yet this is not new but has occurred since Moses first gave the 10 Commandments calling us to honor our parents. Today's verse in Ephesians says showing honor is in our own self-interest and promises that when we do so, it will go well with us and we "will live a long time on the earth.” Likewise, when parents are respected, long life is a blessing, not a burden. While no father is perfect, we can all honor our fathers because they have given us life. Yet "Fathers" are more than biological paternal sources of life. It includes the man who cared and provided for us. It is the one helping us set standards who becomes our example. It includes step-fathers and other men who willingly fill a father's role. Whether biological, adopted, or informal, if someone is a father figure to you, give him some recognition today as you take time to honor "Dad".
When our faith in Christ is real, it is reflected in relationships at home. Children and parents share biblical responsibilities to each other. Children should honor parents and parents should care for their children. This happen when both put the others' interests first. Yet there is a difference between obeying and honoring. To obey means doing as told. However, honoring means respecting and loving. Adult children are not expected or asked to be subservient to domineering parents. But the responsibility to honor parents remains. We can do so by providing care in times of need, illness, loneliness, or infirmity. Another way is to pass Christian values to our children. Are you living in ways that brings honor to your Dad at this time in your life? If not, check in with your Heavenly Father for some ideas and support in doing better. Yet today gives us a holiday opportunity to honor earthly fathers and appreciate all they have done. It also offers opportunities to forgive our Dads if they have disappointed us. Yet what most Fathers really want are good kids. Since our life style is so busy for both fathers and children, both prayers and words of appreciation for Dad can become perfect gifts when offered with love. Whether in heaven or on earth, they still remain our Dads!
Prayer: Lord God, Thank you for the gift of my father. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God is the only perfect Father.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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