Conclusion of Assigning Honor to Family Members

Jehovah even pleaded with the Israelites:  "Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us . . .Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow."  (Isaiah 1:18) Although Jehovah was  not in the wrong, he invited the rebellious nation to come and set matters straight.  What a fine attitude for parents to imitate in dealing with their children!  When the situation calls for it, dignify them by listening to their side of the story, and reason with them as to why they have to change. 

Of course, sometimes, children need strong counsel.  Parents would now want to be like Eli, who 'kept honoring his sons more than Jehovah.'  (1 Samuel 2:29) Still, young ones need to see the loving motive behind the correction.  They should be able to appreciate that their parents do love them.  Paul admonishes fathers:  "Do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental regulating of Jehovah."  (Ephesians 6:4) While paternal authority is assumed, the point being made is the father's  need to have regard for the dignity of the children by not making them angry because of his excessive harshness. Yes, taking into consideration the dignity of children requires time and effort on the part of the parents, but the fruitage of doing so is worth all the sacrifices.

Showing honor to family members goes beyond dignifying  one's wife and children.  "When old, obey your children," says a Japanese proverb.  The point of that proverb is that elderly parents should refrain from exceeding their parental authority and should take notice of what their grown children say.  While it is Scriptural for parents to honor their children by giving them a hearing ear, the children should not display a disrespectful attitude toward older members of the family.  "Do not despise your mother just because she has grown old, " says Proverbs 23:22.  King Solomon lived up to this proverb and honored his mother when she approached him to make a  petition.   Solomon had a throne set to the right of his own and listened to what his elderly mother, Bath-sheba, had to tell him. -1 Kings 2:19, 20.

In out extended spiritual family, we are in a good position to "take the lead" in showing honor to the elderly members of the congregation.  (Romans 12:10)  They may not be able  to do as much as they did in former days, and that may frustrate them.  (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)  An elderly anointed Witness who was bedridden in an infirmary once expressed such frustration:  "I can't wait till I die and return to work."  For such elderly ones, our showing due recognition and honor can help.  The Israelites were commanded:  "Before gray hair you should rise up, and you must show consideration for the person of an old man."  (Leviticus 19:32)  Show consideration by making older ones feel needed and appreciation .  'Rising up' may include sitting down and listening  to them relate what they accomplished years ago.  That will dignify the elderly and enrich our own spiritual life.

Next time: 'In Showing Honor Take the Lead'

The Watchtower, 2000