How To Have Holy Spirit Breeze At Your Back

Wednesday, May 13

Ephesians 6:2-3 (ESV)

““Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Devotion

In today’s verses, the Apostle Paul affirms the fifth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). This word from God does not depend on whether parents are believers or on the quality of one’s relationship with them, because honoring one’s parents is part of honoring God.

Children are instructed to “obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1), meaning children must obey their parents as long as it does not involve sin, because the highest honor belongs to God.

The meaning of the words for “honor” in the giving of the Ten Commandments and in today’s verses includes not only an attitude of respect but also a demonstration through material support and care. This responsibility goes beyond childhood. Before His death and resurrection, Jesus honored His earthly mother, by then a widow, by making sure she would be taken care of (John 19:26–27). While it is good and pleasing to the Lord for the local church to support widows in need, a widow’s children and grandchildren are the first line of support (1 Timothy 5:4). If you are married, obeying this instruction can be a team effort and should, at the very least, come from a place of agreement with your spouse.

Now for the promise! Far from taking away from your resources, honoring one’s parents brings God’s favor and blessing on your life. Franklin Graham likened this blessing to having the wind at your back. In sailing, having the wind at your back means fast, smooth progress. When it comes to the favor of God, it is the Holy Spirit who is the wind at our back. It is worthwhile to search the Scriptures on this topic and gain a deeper understanding of what a powerful and precious provision this is!

The instruction and the promise are both from God. Therefore, if we understand and obey what God means by “honor,” we can have peace, knowing that God is pleased. We do not have to be tossed back and forth by social pressures or family drama. You may think that is easier said than done! As in all areas of obedience, let us set our hearts to say “yes” to God and ask Him for guidance and provision to obey Him in this area.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I honor You as the perfect Father. Help me recognize how and when to obey this commandment so that You are pleased and so that I may receive the promise. Help me to have a “yes” in my heart, and give me wisdom and resources for the practical steps I need to take. Remind me of Your priorities when I begin to wander from them, and add to my character brotherly kindness toward my neighbor, including my parents. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Prayerfully consider what obeying this commandment looks like, or should look like, in your life today. If you have a spouse and children, include them in the conversation. What will honoring your father or mother likely involve in the future? How can you prepare so that you can honor your parents cheerfully, in the context of honoring God and fulfilling your other goals and obligations?

Resources

• What does true honor look like today? Be encouraged by the message “How to Honor Your Mother” and learn how to live it out with intention and grace.

• Partner with us as we continue to meet real needs and remind single moms that they are seen, loved, and not alone. Together, we can be Gamechangers. For more information, visit https://freechapel.org/gamechangers