A Training Ground for Obedience

Fathers and mothers should receive respect from their children as authorities placed by God. Each child should acknowledge God’s command to obey and honor parents. Ephesians 6:2-3 states, “ ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ ” Seasoned through life’s experiences, parents offer advice and words of guidance which their children should readily accept. Unfortunately, children tend to have independent spirits that do not always desire or acknowledge counsel. As a result, they often fall into situations they could have easily avoided by heeding a parent’s wise warning. But, if children do not honor and yield to their parents, how will they respond to God? Will they ignore and rebel against Him? Learning how to honor a parent’s authority prepares a child to respect and obey God’s authority. Furthermore, those who honor His word by obeying their parents will receive God’s blessing. In summary, realizing that their reaction to parents’ instruction determines their response to God, children should focus on honoring their parents in order to please the Lord.