Murder horrifies us. We shudder at tyrants who butcher helpless people and at ethnic groups who slaughter each other. We shake our heads at news reports of murder on the streets and in some homes. We ask, "How could anyone do such things?" Meanwhile, the seed of murder may be lying right in our own hearts.

Hatred--the killer instinct--can involve rage or revenge or racism. On the other hand, it can also be a cool disregard for the well-being of others. An armed robber who kills someone doesn't necessarily have strong feelings against his victim; he just couldn't care less. A company that exposes workers to danger instead of paying for a safer work environment isn't angry at workers; it just doesn't care about them. Money matters more. A couple which aborts a baby doesn't have a grudge against the baby; they just care less about that baby than about themselves.

Please complete the following statement: "I love my mother but..."  Think about it. What's your answer? When a survey asked people to do this, many took it as a cue to point out some fault of their mother. There were some, however, who answered something like this: "I love my mother but... I can never repay all she has done for me."

Children owe it to their parents to honor them; and parents owe it to their children to be honorable. Christian parents must accept their God-given authority and take responsibility to introduce their children to God, provide Christian education, show them by teaching and example how to live, instruct them in God's Word, and train them in obedience.