Honoring Parents and Resisting Rebellion

Week 6

Honoring Parents and Resisting Rebellion

This is such an important thing to be praying about.  I had already thought about my own kids and a story that I could relate about them for this post and just this evening that got reaffirmed to me.

My kids are only allowed to listen to certain music.  It has to be Christian.  Something that glorifies Jesus and lifts up His Name.  Now, there are various "teaching" songs we learn and I am not saying we never listen to an occasional oldie from the past or a song that holds special sentiments that may not be classified Christian but 99.99% of the time any and all music listened to in our home or cars or by my husband and I is Christian.  We like a variety.  My husband and I like everything from gospel bluegrass to Third Day, Skillet, Toby Mac, and so on.  There are so many varieties of good Christian music out there today that whatever you like, you can find.  We allow our kids to listen to whatever specific type they like, not just what we like because we know there is a big generation gap between them and us.  So when I hear my son listening to things that are not allowed it does not set well with me.  I realize music is a small thing, but in the big scheme of things it's not so little.  See the Bible says that what is in us will come out. 

Luke 6:45 (Amp.) The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

That is why it is so important to be on top of what our kids are watching on TV, viewing on the Internet, listening to, reading, and what friends they are hanging out with.  We should be filling ourselves up (and so should our children) with the Word of God and with good things.  - Getting Way ahead of myself here, that is a post for another day.  :)

Philippians 4:8  For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

My husband always reminds me (lovingly of course) to choose my battles wisely with our kids and I do my best but we have taught our kids from the time they were very small what type of music is acceptable and we live it in front of them.  I expect Honor from my kids.  Just tonight I asked my son about his music.  "Is that Christian?", "No, Mom.", "Are you supposed to be listening to that?", "No, Mom.",  "What kind of music are you allowed to listen to?" and then he quoted my famous words about whatever is glorifying to Jesus and lifts up His Name - then he apologized and changed the song.  I informed him that if it happens again, I will take his IPOD because of his disobedience.

I will stay on top of this though.  I will pray that my son(s) do not rebel against us and our rules or against God and His rules. 

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From the Book

(The following are quotes and passages from Stormie Omartian in her book "The Power of a Praying Parent")

Rebellion is actually pride put into action.  Rebellious thoughts say, "I'm going to do what I want, no matter what God or anyone else says about it."  The Bible says "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft" (1 Samuel 15:23) because it's ultimate end is total opposition to God.  That same verse also says that "stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."  Pride get us into rebellion, but stubbornness is what keep us there. 

The opposite of rebellion is obedience, or walking in the will of God. 

Remember, your battle is not with your son or daughter.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places"  (Ephesians 6:20)

Rebellion will surface in your child at one time or another.  Be ready to meet the challenge with prayer and the Word of God, along with correction, discipline, and teaching. 

Ephesians 6:1-3  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.

Proverbs 20:20  If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

The fact that we can affect the length and quality of our children's lives is reason enough to pray, instruct, and discipline them.