Honour to Elders

Monday 28 December
READ: 1Tim. 5:1-2
MORE LESSON: Lev.19:32

The culture of giving respect and honour to the elderly is gradually giving way in our society. Some people attribute this to the influence of the western world and their ideals. They observe that if children have the right to call the police to arrest their own parents, such children will never grow up to have respect for anyone older in age. However, children who are born again must know that the issue of respect and honour is not just a cultural matter; it is a commandment of God. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee: Exo. 20:12.

This instruction is repeated for emphasis in the Bible. Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee: Deut. 5:16. Many people are not making progress in life today simply because they have broken this scripture. They have come under the curse of the law and it cannot be well with them in the land they dwell because they have failed to honour their parents. Some accuse their parents of witchcraft and declare that they must not live (Exo. 22:18). Others live in elegant houses in the city and eat delicacies daily while their parents live in dilapidated houses in the village and are begging for food. This is disrespect and dishonour to parents as exemplified by the story of a man who spent huge sums to bury his father, for whom he spent only very little to provide medical help while the man was alive. Although people attributed his illness to the witches and wizards of his village, I believe the old man he became a prey to them because the son disobeyed God’s commandment to respect his parents.

God's instruction with respect to honour and respect is not only as it relates to parents but to all older people. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD: Lev.19:32. It is wrong for you to sit down to greet elderly persons, or to sit comfortably while an elder is standing for lack of seat. You are expected to vacate your seat immediately and usher that elder to take the seat. An elder should not be carrying a luggage while you walk behind him instead of giving him a helping hand. A younger person is not permitted to rebuke, insult or speak rudely to an elder. Even when the elder is in the wrong, speak to him respectfully. Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father...: 1Tim.5:1. Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses: Tim.5:19. The one who keeps these instructions of the LORD will live long and enjoy the blessings of God.

Prayer/Action
* I repent of every way I have disrespected and dishonoured my parents and elderly ones.
* Lord, teach me to relate respectfully with elderly ones in order to attract Your blessing.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
I shall not end with this year but I shall go far beyond it, in the mighty name of Jesus’.