Category: Christianity

The command to honor one’s father and mother is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and values.

It is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and is repeated in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:2-3). 

Honoring parents involves showing them respect, obedience, care, and thankfulness for their sacrifices in raising us when we were children. 

Cursing or dishonoring parents was considered a grave sin in ancient Israelite society. In some cases it was punishable by death.

God took the treatment of parents very seriously, as He still does today.

This is an eternal principle. 

Practical Application

While the proverb uses vivid imagery, its principle remains relevant today. Honoring one’s parents is not just a cultural tradition but a moral imperative with practical benefits:

1. Strengthens Family Bonds: Showing respect and care for parents fosters strong family relationships and a sense of belonging.
   
2. Teaches Gratitude: Recognizing the sacrifices and efforts of parents instills gratitude and humility.
   
3. Provides Wisdom: Parents can impart valuable life lessons and wisdom gained through experience.
   
4. Ensures Care in Old Age: Children who honor their parents are more likely to care for them in their later years, fulfilling a moral obligation.
   
5. Sets an Example: Honoring parents models behavior for future generations, perpetuating positive family values.

We all have a responsibility, no matter where we are and no matter how old we are, to honor our parents at every stage of their lives.

Let’s take this responsibility seriously.

Conduct Yourselves like men

Verse 1: Proverbs 12:22
“The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Trust

Lies corrode trust, and trust is the foundation of all relationships. In the Proverbs, we find a clear directive that the Lord hates lying lips. To avoid the sin of lying, we must understand the grave consequences it carries.

Verse 2: Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”

Honesty as a Strategy

In Ephesians, we are told to speak the truth with one another. This verse highlights an important strategy: honesty is not merely a moral virtue but a practical one.

Verse 3: Proverbs 6:16-19
“These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”

The Sin of Lying in Perspective

Proverbs outlines seven abominations, and a lying tongue is among them. It’s an abomination to God.

To avoid the sin of lying, we must recognize its gravity. Lying is not just a small transgression. God hates it.

Verse 4: Colossians 3:9-10
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

The Transformation

Colossians encourages us to remove the old self and out on the new man. This transformation involves not only personal growth but also the rejection of dishonesty.

Verse 5: Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.”

Consequences of Deceit

Proverbs underscores that falsehood does not go unpunished. This is a vital strategic lesson – in the long run, honesty prevails

Proverbs 12:22, “The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.”

We often face challenges and temptations that test our resolve and inner strength. It’s during these moments that we may feel the need for external accountability, seeking support from others to help us stay on track.

However, there is a profound power in developing an inner strength that draws from a deep connection with God and the wisdom found in sacred scriptures.

This is what Christ teaches us when He took on Satan all alone in Matthew 4 and Luke 4.

The example of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness is a powerful illustration of this principle.

After fasting for forty days and nights, Jesus was confronted by the devil, who tempted Him with the allure of physical sustenance, worldly power, and a test of God’s protection.

Yet, despite being alone in the wilderness, Christ remained focused, relying solely on His faith and the Word of God to overcome these temptations.

He didn’t have friends.
He didn’t have allies.
No one was there to help Him.
He was alone.

In each instance, Jesus responded with verses from Scripture, demonstrating His trust in the divine truth of scripture and His commitment to following God the Father’s will.

He did not seek external accountability or support; instead, He drew strength from within.

This example teaches us a valuable lesson: true inner strength is not derived from external sources but from a deep connection with the divine.

When we develop a relationship with God and immerse ourselves in the study of sacred scripture, we fortify our souls with the wisdom and guidance necessary to navigate life’s challenges and resist temptations.

If we rely on God and Scripture, we develop a resilience that transcends the need for external accountability.

We become our own guardians, guided by an internal compass that points us towards righteousness and away from the allure of sin.

This inner strength empowers us to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with the most daunting of trials.

This is Lone Wolf Faith

It’s not the type of faith that is popularized, nor is it a cure all or something to be relied on exclusively.

But when the enemy comes for you, you will be alone.

Will you be a lone sheep, or a lone wolf?

Seeking strength from within fosters a sense of personal responsibility and agency.

Rather than relying on others to hold us accountable, we take ownership of our choices and actions, guided by the principles and teachings found in the Bible.

This not only strengthens our character but also deepens our relationship with the divine, as we actively engage in the pursuit of spiritual growth and understanding.

Conclusion

While external accountability can be valuable in certain contexts, true inner strength is cultivated through a deep connection with God and the study of sacred scriptures.

Follow the example of Christ in the wilderness. Learn to rely on the eternal wisdom found within, fortifying our souls against temptation and empowering us to navigate life’s challenges with unwavering power.