The Long Car Ride Honor Test

Hey Carpool Crew, happy Friday. I'm Pastor Justin. I hope you have an awesome day today. And let me ask you this quick question: Have you ever been hour six of a long car ride, hot and cranky and ready to be done, and right then your parent asks you to do one more thing? Anyone can be respectful when everything's easy and everyone's in a good mood, but the real test is the hard moment. So today, let's talk about honoring your parents right when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Let's jump in with the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: honoring your parents counts most when it's inconvenient. Listen to this from Ephesians chapter six, verses one and two. It says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise." Honor is a big word. It means treating someone like they matter with your words and your tone and your attitude, not just doing what you're told with a huff and an eye roll. Think about that. It's easy to honor your parents when you're getting your way. The moment that actually shows what's in your heart is the inconvenient one, the tired one, the one where you'd rather grumble. That's the moment honor really counts. If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, I think he'd say, "I know you're tired and you've had enough. This right here is the moment that counts, though, when it comes to honoring your parents. Honor them anyway. You'll be giving them something better than an easy day." So it's hour six of the road trip. You're squished, you're hot, and you just got comfortable finally. Then your dad says, "Hey, man, can you pass the snack bag? And can you scoot over so your sister has a little more room?" Everything in you wants to groan about it and eye roll, but instead you catch yourself, and you hand the snacks forward with a big smile, and you scooch over without a sigh. No one throws you a party for it, but that quiet choice right when it was inconvenient, that is honoring. So here's a couple things you can try. First, the next time your parents ask you for something at a bad moment for you, do it without a sigh and an eye roll. Second, when you feel the grumble coming, whisper one sentence, "God, help me honor them right now." And third, and this is a hard one, ask yourself, "Do I only honor my parents when it's easy, or even when it costs me a little?" Let's go back to the one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. Honoring your parents counts most when it's inconvenient. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, before we head into the weekend, here is what's coming up. Saturday is about being the first one to say sorry, and Sunday, we're learning to forgive the way we've been forgiven. Those episodes are part of Carpooling with Jesus for subscribers. If you haven't subscribed yet, this might be the weekend to do it. You can subscribe on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Now before you go, let's answer this question together. What's one way you could honor your parents this week, even when it's inconvenient? Have a good one, Carpool Crew. I'll see you tomorrow or on Monday on Carpooling with Jesus.