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.

 To train children in obedience, parents must punish disobedience. "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him" (Proverbs 22:15). As a boy I was told, "If you can't hear it with the ear, you'll feel it through the rear." Such discipline must be firm but fair. The aim is not to vent a parent's rage but to shape a child's character. "Do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged" (Colossians 3:21). What is the usual outcome of godly teaching and loving correction? A happy home where honorable parents and obedient children bring glory to God and joy to each other. "Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul" (Proverbs 29:17).

PRAYER--Thank you, Lord, for family. Make us parents worthy of honor and obedience. Help children honor our godly words and example, submit to our discipline, and flourish in Christ. Amen.