Being a Child

Illus: Progressive has these commercials where people slowly devolve into their parents. This covers a lot from the stereotypical weather small talk to the infamous dad jokes. At the end they say, “we can’t save you from becoming your parents, but we can save you money.”

For some, becoming just like your parents is a great thing. For others it may sound terrible. In the church we have people from every kind of household with every kind of relationship to parents. But luckily, the Bible gives us advice for how to be a God-honoring child to our parents whether they are good or bad examples.

Blessing of a Godly Home

Last week, we talked about how to be God-honoring parents. If you had that growing up, or are even still experiencing it now, you should count yourself exceptionally lucky. But just remember, godly relationships are still two-way streets.

Ephesians 6:1–4 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.”

When God gave the 10 commandments on Mt. Sinai, he gave this command with a promise. As long as Israel kept this relationship with honor, it would go well with them.

We must strive to honor our parents. We can do so with our respect, and our service. We can show love and insofar as they are guiding us in the Lord, we can show obedience to our parents as we do to Christ.

2 Timothy 1:5 “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.”

Be grateful for Christian influences in your life. Take the time to learn from them. Many a people have come to Christ through the diligent prayer of a loving grandmother.

Proverbs 22:6 “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.”

We talked about this last week in the context of parenting children, but as children we have a similar responsibility to take the godly examples we have and learn from them.

The Pain of a Toxic Home

Parents are human. Humanity is broken. Unfortunately, that means far too many people suffer from the brokenness of humanity at home. Parents divorce, children endure abuse, neglect, or toxic traits that are emotionally oppressive to a child. So what do I do if my parents have abandoned me? How do I be a faithful child when my parents are the farthest from faithful I can imagine?

Before we keep going, know that God doesn’t call you to remain in abusive, neglectful, or dangerous relationships. If you are going through something that presents a harm to you or a loved one, please reach out. Not only will we pray for you but we can help connect you to the right resources to get you in a safe situation.

Psalm 27:10 “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.”

Let’s take a step back. What about just a toxic home where you are safe but the examples you have are far from Christian?

Romans 12:18 “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Last week I quoted about expectations that we don’t rise to the level of our expectation, but we fall to the level of our preparation. This applies to our relationship to our parents as well. How are we preparing our hearts to deal with family? Are we gearing for war or striving for peace?

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Even in the chaos, we can strive for peace.

1 Peter 3:9 “not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.”

With our calling to be the light of the world, we may encounter challenges from family who do not walk the same path we do. But in that opposition, there is great opportunity to witness to the life-changing power of Jesus.

Through it all, God is with you. Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.”

A Good Father

The best encouragement I can give you is this: though we as humans fail, and your parents will not be perfect, you have a good and perfect Father who can be there in the gaps. One who can show you the way of love and life.

Psalm 68:5–6 “God in his holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. God provides homes for those who are deserted.”

You are never alone. You have a home. You have a Father.

Romans 8:15 “Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!””

Abba is an intimate term. He has adopted us into His family. We are loved by God to the point where he has claimed us. Not just by calling us, but from bearing the weight of our separation due to sin and brokeness, taking that all onto the cross into his death, and through his resurrection bringing his eternal life to us that we may be His children forever.

Whether you come from a home with good Christian witness, or a home where brokenness has reigned, or somewhere in the middle, God is your Father and is able to meet any deficiencies that our brokenness can’t achieve.

So what?

Honor Your Parents (Exodus 20:12) – Respect them even when it’s hard.

Obey in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1) – Follow their guidance when it aligns with God’s Word.

Show Love and Forgiveness (1 Peter 3:9) – Even in a toxic home, choose love over bitterness. Choose to be a blessing

Find Your True Identity in Christ (Romans 8:15) – You are ultimately God’s child.

🔹 Final Encouragement:

If you have a godly home, be grateful and grow in faith.

If you come from a broken home, trust that God can heal and restore you.

No matter where you come from, your ultimate family is in Christ.