This one thing serves you will throughout life

Television (even cartoons) teach kids that it's funny to have an attitude. Movies teach kids it's okay to have an attitude. And, parents teach them it's okay to be disrespectful when a bad attitude is ignored. Then, we pretend we don't know why kids struggle with good attitudes.

When kids are toddlers, everything is cute. I know. I think everything my grandchildren do is cute. When they pout, I even think that is cute. I guess, kids have been pretty much the same since the beginning of time because the Bible has so much to say about honoring your mother, your father, and your elders. The Bible is very explicit, and to the point, when talking about honor. I don't think anyone could read what the Bible says about honoring parents and not understand it.

What does it mean to honor your father and mother ... to have a good attitude?

To honor your father and mother means to revere (respect), prize and value. Do we as adult revere, prize, and value our parents? Or, do we think they are adults and we have our own lives to live? ... Never forget your children watch what you do and will probably treat you just like you treat your parents.

Honor, to me, is something that stems from an inward attitude and it always values the position of the other.

Those who honor their parents are blessed according to Jeremiah 35:18-19. In Jeremiah, the blessing extended from generation to generation. I believe it still does today.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:1-3).

In my opinion, we have to teach our children / grandchildren well, because this world is trying very hard to teach them wrong. When it really comes down to learning, kids learn from watching. What do they see in us? Do they hear me talk respectful? Do they see me be kind or hateful? What they see, they learn.

Why is it important to teach honor to children? One simple statement answers that question: Because it serves them well throughout life. After a child is mature and on their own, the ability to show honor and respect will serve them well in honoring authorities who are above them such as employer, teachers, pastors, even the President. Ask any school teacher how important honor and respect is. Ask any employer who their most valuable employees are. Honor trickles into every vein of your life and it leaks into the life of following generations.