In Public

Read Proverbs 19

Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

Proverbs 19:26

Role reversal is a favorite game of children who love to mimic the role of mother or father. However, fantasy sometimes has the opportunity to become reality when the children become adults with an equal or even superior position of authority. Maybe the adult children become wealthier, more educated, and/or more physically able than their parents. Many adult children find a special pleasure in mistreating parents—especially those who were raised feeling they were mistreated themselves.

At first, revenge seems sweet. Yet it comes with a price. Sure, it’s embarrassing for parents to have their child disgrace them. However, this proverb says it is better to be embarrassed than to become an embarrassment. Additionally, the disgraceful behavior is a public concern because it reflects poorly on Christ himself. Supposedly Christian people who mistreat their parents demonstrate a dichotomy that is hard for others to understand. If this is the way Christians treat those who are the very closest to them, then the world wants nothing to do with their message. Their actions are much more convincing than their words.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Parental abuse is dual disrespect.

Today, Lord, don’t let me be an embarrassment to you. Help me treat my family in a way that honors you.