You often hear the word “better” tossed around in daily life: “things get better with time,” “better safe than sorry,” “better late than never,” “we can build a better world,” “for better or for worse,” “my emotions got the better of me,” or even, “Dr. Pepper is better than Mr. Pibb.” 

But when you turn to Scripture, you quickly discover that God’s use of “better” runs counter to ours. What we call “better” is often shallow, temporary, or even distorted. God’s “better” speaks to truth, wisdom, holiness, and eternal realities. And that difference must remain crystal clear. 

This past Sunday, we learned what God teaches about His fifth commandment: "Honor your father and mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which Yahweh your God gives you" (Exodus 20:12). One of the truths we know by Scripture and experience is how honor will be resisted by sinful hearts and it must be continuously cultivated. Sadly, this honor in the home is not always mutually experienced and enjoyed and results in sorrow and brokenness in some of our closest relationships. 

“Busy.” It may be the most common response we hear—and give—when someone asks, “How are you?” “I’m swamped.” “Overloaded.” “Maxed out.” “Slammed.” “Stretched thin.” We say we’re running on fumes, spinning plates, burning the candle at both ends, or caught in the rat race.