Honouring Father and Mother

We have need of recognizing our God given
Spiritual Parents and being subject unto them.
Too many children doing their own thing,
running around, and not remembering the parents
who have nurtured and helped along the way.

1Co 4:15 (MSG) There are a lot of people around who can't wait
to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many
fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up.
It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that
I became your father.

KJV says I have begotten you. Thayer Definition:
1) of men who fathered children
1a) to be born
1b) to be begotten
1b1) of women giving birth to children

I think of Jesus. God was His father... but He was put in
the care of Mary and Joseph.

Luk 2:51 (ISV) Then he went down with them and returned
to Nazareth; and he remained in submission to them.
His mother continued to treasure all these things in her heart.

Do you remember the movie, "The Passion of Christ"?
One of my favorite scenes (I have 3) is when he was working on
the fine table for rich folk. There is a playful interchange
between him and his mother that I just love. Even though he was God
in human flesh, he still chose to love and honor his Mom,
take care of her, and promote her well being as a son.

Phillipians 2:1-4 (AMP) So by whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy, Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention. Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

It is time to learn how to keep rank! Stay in formation, finish the assignment. Release comes to those who honor. The Hebrew word Honour has this among it's various meanings: be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory, promote. Are you causing your parents to be made abundant? Are you gaining glory for them? (1Th 2:19 (BBE) For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not even you, before our Lord Jesus, at his coming? ) Are you seeking THEIR promotion in the Kingdom and the things of God, or just your own?

Take stock of your Spiritual Parents. Your parent(s) may not be the same one(s) who brought you into the Faith, but rather the one(s) who have or who are bringing you up in the faith. The ones who are covering you, encouraging you, stretching you and requiring accountability from you. Honour them every way possible. They hold the key to many things for you.

You may grow up and fly high, but remember, "there is no place like home!"

Love you Dad and Linda.