by Amanda B. McKelroy | March 2, 2018
One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was to have a deep-rooted respect for authority. Even as a small child I wouldn’t dare defy an authority figure. It wasn’t an issue of weighing the consequences; it simply was not an option in my young life. Having a respect for authority enables obedience. The Bible commands children to obey their parents. It also commands parents to train, teach, and instruct their children.
Children are instructed by God to obey their parents. Every parent wants their child to be obedient to them; it is frustrating when children disobey. But have you ever considered that a child being obedient isn’t just a parental luxury? It’s a command from God that children be obedient. Parents, your children need your help in learning to obey you so that they are also being obedient to Christ. Your children will not automatically be obedient, they need you to do your part in teaching them respect for authority that will translate into Biblical obedience.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” Proverbs 1:8
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22
Obedience and respect for authority do not come naturally to a child. They must be taught. As an adult, I see fruit in my life, both personally and professionally as a result of showing respect for authority even when I don’t desire to do so. Children cannot learn without someone teaching them – and that responsibility lies at the feet of parents. Training a child is no easy feat. Every child has a mind and will of their own. If parents do not accept their responsibility to instruct their children, they themselves are disobeying a Biblical mandate. The Bible doesn’t say it will be easy, nor does it say to only train your children when it is convenient or when you got enough sleep the night before. It simply says that you are responsible for making it happen. It’s a daunting task, but a necessary one.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7
“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons… the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:9-10
“And ye shall teach them [God’s commandments] your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 11:19
“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done… which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:” Psalm 78:4-6
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve….but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” Proverbs 4:1-4
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverbs 19:18
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15
“Withhold not correction from the child:” Proverbs 23:13a
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Proverbs 29:15, 17
The Bible has much to say on parents instructing, training, and correcting their children. The responsibility is laid at the feet of the parents to train their children, to teach them obedience. The end result of training your children with diligence is delight to your soul. Not only is there joy in knowing you are obeying your Biblical mandate, but also in knowing that your child has instilled in their heart a respect for authority and desire to be obedient – to authority, to you, to God. The reward is well worth the struggle.
Obedience is the very best way,
To show that you believe.
Doing exactly what the Lord commands,
Doing it happily.
Action is the key – do it immediately,
Joy you will receive.
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
We want to live pure we want to live clean.
We want to do our best.
Sweetly submitting to authority,
Leaving to God the rest.
Walking in the light, keep our attitudes right,
On the narrow way.
For if you believe the Word you receive,
You always will obey!
O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
