The Importance of Relating
Living Long – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:17-22

Key Verse: Deuteronomy 5:16

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

In our third and final segment of “Living Long” I want to look at the benefits of honoring our relatives.  God attached the promise that we would live a long life and that life would “go well” or be blessed.

            If we are consciously trying to honor our relatives out of reverence for God’s command, God takes note.  It seems to me that how we act should always be in reference to the fact that God is taking note.  The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:5 that “the Lord is near.”  If you believe the Bible, then everything you do, every place you go, and every word you say is being noted by your God.  Would He not be honored when you honor a relative out of reverence for Him?  Would God not reward you because of your effort?

            Could it be going better for you today?  Is it possible that God isn’t blessing your life as much as He would want because you aren’t honoring the people in your life?  The problem we all face is no one can truly answer that question accurately.  Life could be better for all of us, so it’s easy to simply believe that however life is, these are the “cards” dealt to you.  It is my opinion that we should be obedient to every nudge of the Spirit and every biblical command.  The Bible calls that “walking in the Light” (1 John 1:7).  When we walk in all the light God has given us, then we can know His rewards are given generously!

Father, I commit to being obedient to all you direct me to do today.  Thank you for the blessings that come from your hand.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.