A Godly Woman: Building and Supporting in Chirst #5

Good evening, everyone! I am so happy to be back and to be able to share my devotion with you. If you've been following along, we’ve been learning about how to be a godly woman. We’ve discussed how to apply God's calling in the different positions He’s placed us in. So far, we’ve covered putting our trust in Jesus Christ, A Woman’s Identity in Christ, The Godly Wife, and The Godly Mother. Today, we are going to learn about something we are all born as:

The Godly Daughter

We’ll be looking at Exodus 20:12:

"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

I’m sure many of us have heard the statement, "I brought you into this world, and I’ll take you out." It’s funny because the next verse, Exodus 20:13, says: "Thou shalt not kill." Lol, a funny comeback to your mother’s statement. Of course, I didn’t think of this comeback until years later!

Now, back to our original verse of the day—Exodus 20:12.

As daughters, honoring your parents is a foundational commandment. Honor is shown through respect, gratitude, and love, regardless of your age or life stage. It also reflects God's authority in your life and acknowledges the sacrifice and wisdom your parents have shared.

I am fully aware that not everyone has parents who we would consider honor-worthy. It can be difficult to look at someone who, yes, should have loved you in a manner that would warrant honor, but didn’t. It’s easy to let our circumstances get in the way of what God has called us to do. We might think, "Okay, God, I’ll love this person, but I don’t have any respect for them. That’s where I draw the line." But understand this: every time we put up a roadblock to where God is trying to lead us, we not only hinder our own growth but also the blessings and peace He has for us.

So yes, you may not have parents that you think are worthy of respect and honor, but it’s not up to you to be the judge. That is up to God. He came to a sinful world to save all that were lost. You weren’t worthy of His sacrifice, but praise God, that didn’t stop Him from thinking we are worth something. We must let go of the anger in our hearts as daughters and learn to love like God loves us. We must follow all of His commandments, not just the ones that are convenient for us.

Let’s learn to apply the truth, wisdom, and understanding that God and/or our parents have taught us.

This applies to both those who were taught by their parents and have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, and those who were not taught by their parents but have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. We all have a Father who loves us and teaches us daily!

• Even as adults, honoring your parents can be demonstrated by actively applying the teachings, wisdom, and values they imparted to you. In Proverbs 1:8-9, Solomon encourages: “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” Applying their teachings, especially godly wisdom, shows that you value and respect the foundation they laid for you. Even if they weren’t perfect, the life lessons they gave you can still be a source of guidance and honor.

• Living According to God's Wisdom: If your parents didn’t provide you with a godly example or teaching, honoring them as an adult involves taking responsibility for your spiritual growth and applying the wisdom that comes from God. What I’m saying is that applying the truth, wisdom, and understanding that God provides is a way to honor your parents, even if they didn’t lead you in a godly way. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” By seeking God’s wisdom, you honor Him and your parents by choosing to live according to His truth, regardless of past circumstances.

• Acknowledging and Applying Life Lessons from Hard Circumstances: If your parents didn’t provide a godly example, honoring them can involve taking the difficult experiences from your life and choosing to turn to God for healing, guidance, and wisdom. Romans 8:28 assures us: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Even in hardship, you can honor God and your parents by making a conscious choice to live in a way that glorifies God. Using the pain and challenges of your past as a testimony of God’s grace is a beautiful way to honor your parents, as it demonstrates God's redemptive power.

• Honoring your parents as an adult looks different than honoring them as a child, but it remains deeply rooted in the principles of respect, love, and gratitude. Whether you were taught godly principles or not, you can always apply God’s wisdom to your life. By seeking truth, applying lessons, and choosing to live in alignment with His Word, you honor your parents in a meaningful and lasting way. Embrace God’s wisdom, and by applying it to your life, you demonstrate your love for God and honor your parents.

Have a fantastic day and if you need anything please let me know.