Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
“Thank You, Grandpa”
“Show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”
Leviticus 19:32
If you have been around for a while (as we have!), you’ve probably noticed that coarse and rude behavior is more common in today’s society than in years past. We think that’s a change for the worse.
Maybe it’s old-fashioned, but we feel that kids should be required to say “please” and “thank you” around the house. This is just one method of reminding them that ours is not a “gimme, gimme” world. We also recommend that children maintain a level of deference when speaking to their elders—“Grandpa George” and “Aunt Alice,” rather than just “George” and “Alice.” Scripture teaches that children ought to respect their parents (1 Timothy 3:4) and that everyone should “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly” (Leviticus 19:32). This attitude of respect for our earthly elders also leads us more easily into proper respect for our heavenly Father.
Such attitudes don’t happen automatically. They take root when you teach your children fundamental politeness—and when you practice it yourself! The bottom line is to create an atmosphere of mutual respect. If you can establish that in your kids’ earliest years, they’ll be less likely to rebel when they’re older—and you’ll be much better prepared to handle the uprisings that inevitably come along.
Before you say good night…
- As a family, do you show courtesy and respect to each other?
- How does demonstrating respect for others also show respect for the Lord (see Matthew 25:40)?
Loving Father, You are awesome beyond our comprehension! Help us to esteem each ofYour creations and to set a respectful and reverent example for our children. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
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