THURSDAY August 12, 2021

Children, Obey Your Parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “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.”
Ephesians 6:1-3

In God’s Word there are commands for both the mother and father. They are to: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). However, there are also commands specifically directed toward children.

In the book of Exodus, as well as in Ephesians 6, there is given incredible promises to children and young adults: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). God promises to give children longevity in this life if they respect and obey their parents. He will protect their lives! However, promised long life was conditional. If they disobeyed and dishonored their parents, their life could be cut short.

In the Old Testament, any rebellious child who cursed their parents and disrespected them, were taken down to the city gates to the judges. The parents had a legal right to tell the judges of their child’s rebelliousness. A legal document would be signed by the parents. Then the disobedient child would be taken out beyond the city walls. The elders of the city would stone the child to death. You see, in this period of history there was no problems with juvenile delinquency!

In Colossians 3:20 we find yet another exhortation written to children: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. The Proverbs is a book of wisdom with many instructions for a son: My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck (Proverbs 1:8-9).

As a young adult have you forsaken the instruction of your parents? Return to the Lord and to the precepts taught to you by them.

A born again Christian should no more think of going back to the old life than an adult to his childhood.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!