In the Eyes of Children

re·spect

It’s a simple word that we have often heard thrown around: in songs, movies, and on TV.

Definition:

esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something; to hold in high regard

state of being admired: the state of being admired deferentially

thoughtfulness: to show consideration or thoughtfulness

characteristic: an individual characteristic or point

We all have a desire to be respected, but do we always show that same respect to others? I am extremely guilty of this offence, especially with my husband; mercifully this morning it was brought to my attention once again. I was going about my day, preparing for school and finishing up the dishes. Drake was in another room reading his Bible passage for the day. All of a sudden, he came up to me and said, “Mom read this.” Hmm…you’ll never guess what the verse said! It was Ephesians 5:33 – “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” His finger was on the “wife must respect her husband” part. I was a little stunned: my son has just thrown a verse from the Bible in my face! What was I going to do? Okay, I thought to myself, thanks God for bringing that to my attention and using my son to show me. I swallowed some pride, smiled, and thought about how I should respond. Then I asked him why he was showing me that, did he think that I didn’t respect his father? His reply with a smile was, “Well, yeah, not really.” Okay, uncomfortable moment! My sin is just bursting out all over the room, and my boy is calling me out on it! Praise God! I know He was trying to get at me today. It was a clear reminder for me to clean up my act. It’s amazing how children can convict us and teach us so much! They are not passively standing by. They see how we treat others, and they know right from wrong. I’m not perfect, and I think it’s good that my kids know that I have many faults and sin daily, and that I need God.