Episode 29 - Ten Spiritual Truths: Be Respectful

Honor your father and mother. I think those of us with loving parents understand this, as do those of us who currently are parents. Everyone wants respect, right? But why doesn't this 'commandment' ask parents to honor their children? Wouldn't life be better if it did? Listen and find out why it is so important for us to get this primal relationship right, even if our parents aren't 'deserving.'

NOTES:

Ten Commandments: boundaries for a fulfilling life, challenges for a spiritual life

All major religions have some form of ‘rules for life’

Exodus 20: “Then God spoke all these words: 

1. ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.’

2. “You shall not make for yourself an idol, of any form.”

3. “Do not misuse the name of God.”

4. “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.”

5. “Honor your father and mother.”

Honor = to regard with great respect

Why is this relationship singled out? The parent-child relationship is our first relationship in life Arguably the most important

What does Honor and Respect look like? Could be:

Honor their experience

Be fair

Empathize

Seek/find wisdom

Forgive

Provide care/support

Prayer

Does not grant ultimate authority

Dialogue Questions:

What are the ways you can show honor and respect to another? Think beyond the usual.

Why do you think we are specifically asked to honor our parents? How does that impact our relationship with God, our spiritual nature or our society?

Have you been challenged in your own life to honor and respect your parents? How did you move through that to a good place?

Why do you think there is a promise of a longer life if you do this?

What else does this mean?

Affirmation

I value the world of my elders. Because their world is so different from mine, we can sometimes seem very far apart. But I actively look for ways to connect, understand and respect their experience. As I look at my life, I find the blessings that my elders bestowed on me. I am here in large part because they lived. I look for the good and release the rest.