COLOSSIANS 3:20
One time a number of people from school were going to go see a movie in the theaters. I really wanted to go with them. I was so excited about it. So that afternoon after school, I asked my mom if I could go—and she said no. I was really disappointed because everyone else was going. I didn’t think it was fair. And it seemed at the time that my life would be so much better if only I could do this one thing. (I’m sure you know the feeling.) But most of the time, if you think about it, your life wouldn’t be that much better. Parents know best: Everyone hears this phrase all the time (I know I do). But it’s actually true. We should remember that they were teens once too. They remember what it’s like to be desperate to do something and then have someone tell them no. God has given us these parents, and we should obey them not only because it will make them happy but also because it will make God happy. So the next time you really want to do something but your parents say no, think, “Is this thing really that important?” You’ll probably find that it’s more important to listen to your parents, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment. And by obeying them, you will have happier parents, and more importantly, God will be pleased with you.
Katie Davis, 15, Jonathan Edwards Academy, Millers Falls, MA
It seems like my parents say no all the time.
Lord, I need Your help in those times, so that I can
still honor them even when I think they’re being unfair.