Betty’s Decision

Betty’s Decision

(Read Ephesians 6:1-3)

Betty thought her parents were too strict, and she made it a point to tell them how she felt. “Being ‘grounded’ for two days is too big a penalty for coming in late,” she told them. “And I know I was kinda . . . ah . . . sassy to Mom one time last week, but . . . well, I don’t think it was so bad that I should have part of my allowance taken away. None of the other kids in the neighborhood get such hard punishments.”

“God didn’t put me in charge of the neighborhood children,” Dad replied, “but he has given me that responsibility with you. Mom and I are trying to bring you up the way we think is right. To do that, sometimes we have to punish you.”

“I wish you’d let me decide my own punishment,” Betty snapped.

“All right,” her father replied. “After this, every time Mom or I correct you for something, you go to your room and write down how you think you would have handled it if you were the parent. We’ll talk over your ideas. OK?”

“OK!” agreed Betty, smiling broadly.

The first time Betty didn’t like the way she was punished, it was easy to write down what she thought was a better idea. But as the days passed, she wrote less and less. She really didn’t know what to write. Besides, when she was honest about it, she had to admit that it was right for her parents to punish or correct her. After all, they were older and wiser than she was—and didn’t the Bible say that parents were to be in charge of their kids, and that the kids were to obey their parents? She thought about it over and over again—and she often prayed, asking God to forgive her for the way she had acted.

“Well, shall we go over your list?” Dad asked one day.

Betty shook her head. “I don’t have a list, Dad,” she said. “I started one, but I found out it wasn’t so easy.” RIJ

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Are you ready to accept the fact that God has put your parents in charge of you? Can you thank him for it? Do that, and then listen to them and obey them.

Honor Your Parents

MEMORIZE:

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.” Exodus 20:12