“Thank You, Grandpa”
“Show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Leviticus 19:32
If you have been around /for a while (as we have!), you’ve probably noticed that coarse and rude behavior is more common in today’s society /than in years past. We think that’s a change for the worse.
Maybe it’s old-fashioned, but we feel that kids should be required [to say “please” and “thank you” around the house]. This is just one method of reminding them that ours is not a “gimme, gimme” world. We also recommend that children maintain a level of deference /when speaking to their elders—“Grandpa George” and “Aunt Alice,” rather than just “George” and “Alice.”
Scripture teaches that children ought to respect their parents (1 Timothy 3:4) and that everyone should “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly” (Leviticus 19:32). This attitude of respect for our earthly elders also leads us /more easily /into proper respect /for our heavenly Father.
Such attitudes don’t happen automatically. They take root /when you teach your children [fundamental politeness]—and when you practice it /yourself! The bottom line is to create an atmosphere of mutual respect. If you can establish that in your kids’ earliest years, they’ll be less likely to rebel /when they’re older—and you’ll be much better prepared /to handle the uprisings //that inevitably come along.
Before you say good night…
As a family, do you show courtesy and respect /to each other?
How does [demonstrating respect for others] also show respect for the Lord (see Matthew 25:40)?
Loving
Father, You are awesome beyond our comprehension! Help us to esteem
each of Your creations and to set a respectful and reverent example for
our children. Amen.
- From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.