Bible Basics

Obedient Children

The worst evil that can strike a nation is the disintegration of the home. After addressing the relationship between husband and wife, the apostle Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” He then reiterates the fifth commandment of the Decalogue (Ex. 20:12) saying, “‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Eph. 6:1-3). Honor is the form love assumes toward those who are placed above us by God. Honor involves love plus respect, reverence, and corresponding obedience. The honor that children are to have for their parents is a part of God’s arrangement of headship. Children must be taught to honor and obey their parents, “for this is right.” When parents fail to teach their children this great lesson, the ramifications extend far beyond the borders of the home. Children must be taught to respect authority, and this lesson is first learned as they honor and obey their parents. If children have no respect the authority of their parents, will they respect the authority of their teachers at school, or civil authority, much less God’s authority? Not likely! Herein lies the challenge of society today. Children must be taught to honor and obey their parents, “for this is right!”

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics