K.I.D.'S Corner

"Kids In Divine Service"

"With Pastor Pat"

A Matter of Honor

LISTEN:

Samantha scuffed her shoe in the dirt beneath the swing as Shelby, a classmate, walked up to her. "Hi. Remember me?" asked Shelby. "I sat in front of you at the school assembly yesterday day. My name's Shelby. Would you like to jump rope with me?"

Samantha scowled. "No," she said gruffly. "I don't feel like it."

"Is something wrong?" wondered Shelby.

"Yes! I wish I were back at my old school across town," replied Samantha.

Shelby took the swing next to Samantha. "Why did you have to move?" asked Shelby.

"My parents said we outgrew our old house." Samantha sighed. "I wanted to stay across town and live with my grandma so I could go to my old school, but Mom and Dad said no," she grumbled. "They don't care how I feel about anything."

"I used to say that about my parents, too, but then I learned a really important verse from the Bible." Shelby hesitated. "Do you go to church and Sunday school?" she asked. "My Sunday school teacher made a big deal of having us learn the fifth commandment. She says a lot of kids act like they don't know it."

Samantha dragged her feet to bring her swing to a stop. "We learned the Ten Commandments in my Sunday school, too," she said. "The fifth one is about parents, right? Well, I do obey my parents! I'm here, aren't I?"

Shelby laughed. "Yes, you are," she agreed. "I didn't mean to suggest you didn't obey them. I was just thinking about something my teacher said-that honoring parents is more than just obeying them. It includes accepting their rules and discipline without getting all mad about it or holding a grudge against them. I find myself doing that sometimes."

Samantha scowled as she drew a pattern in the dust with her shoe. She knew her attitude was wrong. Finally, she looked up. "I guess I should be glad my parents watch out for me," she admitted. Then she smiled at Shelby. "I could always make some new friends," she added. "Do you still want me to jump rope with you?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you honor your parents in addition to obeying them? Or do you obey them just so you won't get in trouble? Do you grumble and complain when they tell you to do something or refuse to let you go certain places? God gave you parents to guide you and care for you. Show respect for them and accept their rules. Thank God for them-and thank them for caring for you.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
Honor your father and mother. Ephesians 6:2



 

Love, and Friends Forever,