Teaching Honor

Give everyone what you owe him:  If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.  --Romans 13:7

One of the most important lessons that we can teach our children is that of honor and respect to those who serve our country and our community.  

As Christians, we should understand that the freedom that we have in Christ is bought with His sacrifice on the cross.  In the same way, the safety and freedom that we enjoy in our country and our community is bought through those who serve on the frontlines both globally and within our communities so that we have relative freedom without the fear of harm.  Those who serve within our military & our police department ensure a more peaceful community than would be possible without their sacrifice and service. 

By their choice, these brave men and women, keep both foreign & domestic threats at bay.  They serve compassionately to the areas & communities they are placed.  They take on the hard situations that could bring violence and unrest into a community for the purpose of protecting us from such violence and unrest.  Ultimately, their job is to provide peace in a volatile world.

Such men and women deserve our honor and respect.

Displays of Gratitude

It costs me nothing to take a little time out of my day to thank those who selflessly serve our country and our community for their service.  So as much as possible, I have tried to show my gratitude to those in uniform who serve our country and city.  The more that I do it, the more my children see the right attitude we should have for those in authority and the less fear they will have to those brave men and women serving our community.

Everyone likes to be appreciated for the work that they do.  So below are some ideas that you can practice with your children concerning showing the proper respect and honor to those who faithfully serve our country and communities.

1)  Make a point to thank men & women in uniform in any place you and they may be dining.  

Walking up as a family with your children and thanking these brave men and women personally makes a big difference in their day.  I know that as I have done this with our military and our local police, the faces of the men and women light up.  When my children see the difference that makes, they begin to see those who serve not as scary men and women who only punish wrongdoers, but as people who serve to keep communities safe.

At times, we have tried to offer to pay for part or all of their meals.  While they often refuse, I know that they appreciate the gesture.  

2)  Offer to pray for them or let them know that you are praying for them.

Along with thanking those who serve our country and community, take some time to let them know that you are willing to pray for them there or that you will pray for them as they serve.  It is important to use this as an opportunity to demonstrate to your children the importance of lifting those in authority in prayer.  Let your children see you pray for them, if they allow you to OR let them see you follow up immediately afterward with your child to pray for their protection and safety as they do their jobs.

3)  Go out of your way when you see a man or woman in uniform to make sure that you thank them for their service.

On our church grounds, we have many police officers come up and write their reports in our parking lot.  Often times, they are in the back of the parking lot far away from any convenient way to speak with them.  However, whenever I see them, I always make an effort to go to them and thank them for their service, even offering them a bottle of water.  It is one thing to encounter a man or woman in uniform along the way.  It means something more when someone goes out of their way to make sure proper honor and respect is given.

4)  Invite them to church.

Along with the importance of giving proper honor and respect is the reminder that these men and women in uniform also need Jesus.  Thanking them for their service is one form of honor and respect.  Inviting them to a place where they can know Jesus is another.  Many in uniform need the hope of Christ.  In our efforts to honor and respect their service, let us also honor and respect their need.

By doing these simple things, we will be teaching our children through our example the proper way to display honor and respect for the authorities that God has placed in our lives and a gratitude toward the freedom and safety they provide.