Making our parents proud
Whenever we bring joy to our parents by being good sons and daughters to them, we also give glory to the one true God, our Father Who created us and called us to be His own.
By MARLEX C. CANTOR
FOR EVERY ACHIEVEMENT, good deed, or adorable trait that a parent sees in his child, he cannot help but exclaim with all pride, “That’s my son!” or “That’s my daughter!” Joy is written all over the faces of proud fathers and mothers, as they behold the wonder that is their child.
It’s such a great feeling to be in the shoes of a proud parent. And even greater is the feeling of a child who sees that sparkle of joy and pride in the eyes of his parents.
Not all children may become parents someday. But all of us, young and old, are children-sons and daughters-to our respective parents. It is but proper that each of us strives to give joy to our parents, while they are still around to savor it.
So, what makes a good son or daughter? Let us take into account these biblical instructions:
1. Be respectful
“‘Respect your father and mother’ is the first commandment that has a promise added: ‘so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.'” (Eph. 6:2-3 Good News Bible)
One’s respect for his parents, or the lack of it, is often manifested in the way he speaks to them. It goes without saying that a man who badmouths his father or mother and talks back boorishly at them is a disrespectful child.
More than speaking politely to our parents, however, let us honor them by valuing their teachings and advices, respecting their decisions, and not doing things that will cause them shame or even displease them. Being a grownup is never a valid reason for one to cut off his ties with his parents and have nothing to do with them anymore. Others may think it is old-fashioned for an adult to seek parental consent when getting married, but doing so is undeniably being polite, to say the least.
On the other hand, one who despises his parents is worthy of nothing but condemnation (Matt. 15:4; Rev. 21:8).
2. Be obedient
“Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God.” (Col. 3:20 GNB)
When a Christian youth obeys the good things that his father and mother tell him to do, he pleases not only his parents but also, and more importantly, the Lord God.
Young members of the Church Of Christ should understand that being a true Christian involves more than just being active in going to worship services regularly. It is part of their duty as Christians to obey their “parents in the Lord” (Eph. 6:1 New King James Version) or parents who teach them God’s will.
So, let us not take our parents’ counsel and corrections the wrong way. Instead, let us keep in our hearts and minds God’s commandments that they pass on to us and be guided by them (Prov. 3:3, 1). In whatever you do, may it concern your studies, or dealings with other people, always make sure that you break none of God’s righteous laws and statutes. After all, to serve God and to obey His commandments is the whole duty of every human being, sons and daughters alike (Eccles. 12:13).
3. Be responsible
“He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” (Prov. 10:5 NKJV)
Every sensible parent wants to see his children grow up to become successful and responsible individuals. It means a lot for the parents to know that their son or daughter will not roam around begging for food when the time comes that they will live on their own or raise their own family.
To do their part in preparing for their future, children should learn to value-not waste-the things their parents provide them with. They should study hard while they have the opportunity so that they can land a stable job someday.
Responsible sons and daughters also take care of their parents especially during their twilight years. They do this not only to return the favor to their parents, but also to follow God’s will (I Tim. 5:4).
4. Be upright
“My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” (Prov. 3:1, 7 NKJV)
If there is anything that can greatly grieve a parent’s heart, it is seeing his child’s life ruined because of drugs, bad companions, or any other wickedness. For this not to happen to any Christian youth, they should understand that, free as they are to do everything their hearts desire, still they will be judged by God for what they do (Eccles. 11:9-10).
Youths ought to have reverence for God, for this will prevent them from falling into sin or any misdemeanor. They should also choose well the companions they associate themselves with and make sure that in enjoying their youth, they will not break any of God’s commandments but find joy in obeying them:
“I find pleasure in obeying your commands, because I love them. I respect and love your commandments; I will meditate on your instructions.” (Ps. 119:47-48 GNB)
5. Be prayerful
“O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
“O Lord, you are my refuge; never let me be disgraced.”
(Ps. 71:5, 1 New Living Translation)
Much as they want to, parents cannot always be around to make things easy for their children. They, too, are human beings who can only do so much for their family as well as for themselves.
In view of this, children of Iglesia Ni Cristo households should know whom to turn to for help during times of trouble. We should make praying to God an important part of our lives, for it is He who, above all, can give us what we need, wherever we are and whatever situation we are in.
Christian parents will surely be appeased to know that their sons and daughters put their trust and confidence in God above all. On the day they will bid this world goodbye, they can rest assured that their children will be left in good hands, for God will take care of them (Ps. 27:10).
How have you treated your parents?
None of us are perfect, but we all have the chance to reform our wrong ways and become the good and loving sons and daughter that we ought to be to our parents and, above all, to God. If we do so, God will never forget us, His children. These are the tender words of our Almighty Father:
“So the Lord answers, ‘Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.'” (Isa. 49:15 GNB)
May all of us, sons and daughters in the Church Of Christ, do everything we can to show our parents how much we love them while they are still with us. Let us accord them the honor and respect that they so truly deserve. Remember that whenever we bring joy to our parents by being good sons and daughters to them, we also give glory to the one true God, our Father Who created us and called us to be His own.
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