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The boy who honored his parents
[7m THE BOY WHO HONORED HIS PARENTS [0m
[1mby Peter Childress[0m
A young man came unto his Master's house to escape from his ill-tempered
father who, being a liar and a bully, beat him mercilessly without just cause.
"Grandfather," said the boy, after paying his respects to the old man, "I am
confused, and come to you for counsel. The Scriptures command me to honor my
father and my mother, yet they are but thieves and drunkards, and mistreat me
so that I hold them in contempt. Am I committing a sin in the eyes of God, that
I hold them not in respect?"
The Master contemplated the words of the boy, and knew them to be sincere,
and true, for they carried the weight of a burdened heart. So he closed his
eyes that he might be alone with God, for he knew the words that issued from
his mouth would deeply affect the life of the young man before him,and he asked
for wisdom from God that he might not lead the boy astray.
After a time, the old man opened his eyes and gazed at the boy, saying: "My
son, the Scriptures are guidelines given to man,not for the purpose of limiting
him in his life,but to uplift him in Spirit, and so bring the Peace of God into
the earth. That the Commandment to honor thy father and mother has brought con-
fusion to your mind and heart, rather than peace, shows only your misunder-
standing of the Law. For the Commandment is not to worship your parents
despite their flaws, but to live your life in such a manner that it brings
honor upon them whether or not they have brought honor upon themselves."
The young man heard the words of the old and his heart was lightened. And
so he left his Master's house to enter the world with understanding, bringing
honor in his life not only to his parents, but even unto his own children.
And thus was the world brought closer to the Peace of God.
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