The Hassles of Hope
Hassle: "1. An argument or fight. 2. Trouble; bother... to
bother or harass." (American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition,
p.#596).
Have you ever heard a teenager say, "my parents hassle me?" There are some
parents who have poor attitudes toward their children and use ineffective and
forbidden methods. Those guilty of this need to take seriously the words of
Paul: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged,"
(Col. 3:21). Mothers are to love their children and care for them with maternal
gentleness (Tit. 2:4 & 1 Thess. 2:7). As parents and grandparents we must guard
against taking impulsive action against our children based solely on personal
irritation or nuisance.
But could it be, when teenagers complain of the "parental hassle," they simply
do not want to hear or endure the wisdom and discipline their parents offer? If
your mind is set on the desires of the moments and the whims of your age, you
may regard virtually everything your parents say as a "hassle." Whatever they
ask of you, or whatever you do that provokes a reaction, truly, you just do not
want to hear from these people. They are old. They do not understand. They are
paranoid. They don't want you to enjoy yourself. So regardless of what
restrictions they give or with what attitude they are given, you don't want
parental control at all. You regard parents as a hassle, PERIOD.
This is selfish and sinful before God. The truth is, God set up this arrangement
and He tells children to obey their parents; this is right (Eph. 6:1). This is
"the first commandment with promise," (Eph. 6:2). There is promise and hope in
the "hassles" your parents give you. Under constant temptation and peer
pressure, it may be difficult to listen to them and obey. Peers may encourage
you to regard your parents as intruders, prison wardens or worse.
Now is the time to decide. Will you listen to God and your parents - or your
desires and your friends? What you do about this now will have lasting
consequences in life. Think of those "hassles" as hope. When you honor and
listen to your parents, accepting the discipline of God they administer, there
is hope for a good life as a child of God; then heaven after death.
Remember that "the rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself
brings shame to his mother," (Prov. 29:15). Pray for your parents. Remember that
they make mistakes, but they love you and deserve your respect. Don't manipulate
them or lie to them. Talk to them. Tell them you love them, and accept the
hassles of hope.
By Warren E. Berkley
The Front Page
From Expository Files 6.3; March 1999
