A Heritage From the LordPsalm 127:3-5

Introductory Thoughts

Just as a mother and father owe much to the success of a home, so do our children

Children can be the difference between a happy home or a miserable home

As parents, the things we demand of our children can make for a truly happy home

The demands parents make are not meant to be torture, as many young people see

The purpose is to make a child a responsible and productive member of society

Introductory Thoughts

Our young people need to be taught their role in the family

Parents need to be parents, not attempting to be best friends

Being a parent is difficultBeing a friend is the easy way outBalancing the two is a most challenging task

As a child, what do I owe my parents?

4 things to observe today

Listen to Them - Proverbs 1:8-9

Children, You are training to be adults

God’s pattern is for the parent to give this instruction

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Proverbs 22:16 – Ephesians 6:4Without your parents, you would be lost, destitute, and

clueless

Great wisdom can be found in listening to your parents

Proverbs 13:1 – Proverbs 5:7-14 – Proverbs 12:1

Obey Them – Ephesians 6:1-3

Obey means “heed or conform to a command or an authority”

Remember this is good and right in God’s sight

We all need to live in obedience to the LordWe were created with this need – Ecclesiastes 12:13

Obedience is not arbitrary, but has a purpose

Parents not only need to teach the need for obedience, but that obedience brings blessings

No obedience results in choas rather than in cosmos, disorder rather than order

Volunteer to Help Them

Parents are busy these days

Working to provide food, clothing & shelterWorking in social functionsWorking within the churchMany other areas to be involved in

I’m young, what can I do?

Wash dishes – Keep your room cleanPick up after yourself – Mow the yard

Volunteer your time to help others

Develop the servant mentality as Jesus did

Enjoy Being With Them

They will not always be around

Poem – Do It Now

Parents – Spend time with you children

Make an appointmentLook for unexpected opportunitiesEye contact and Physical touchingBe patientTake them seriouslyStart today

Concluding Remarks

God has given children the blessing of parents

Living with them is not a waste of time, but a period of development

If you value your life you will consider God’s pattern for you in your family by showing LOVE for your parents

Listen to themObey themVolunteer to help themEnjoy being with them