Christian children are a gift to Christian parents from the Lord. Psalm 127:3 (NIV) says, Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him. The greatest gift Christian parents could ever give their children is a desire to know Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:5-7, 2 (NKJV) tells us, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. So that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all His decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy life. Christian parents are instructed to raise their Christian children in the instruction and training of the Lord.
Christian children have two primary responsibilities: to honor and obey their parents. Ephesians 6:1 (NIV) says, Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. To obey means to follow the commands or guidance of the one in a position of authority. Understanding what it means to obey is not very difficult. Actually BEING obedient is where a lot of children have issues. Obedience has three parts:
1. You are given a specific instruction, task, or order.
2. You understand what you are asked to do.
3. You carry out the instruction or do what is asked of you.
This means first time obedience. Most parents have heard the saying ‘slow obedience is no obedience.’ Let’s take a look at Colossians 3:20 (NKJV) which says, Children obey your parents in all things for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Notice it DOES NOT say “obey your parents as long as you agree with what they say.” Nor does it say “obey your parents, but only after you have done all the things you want to do.” Finally, it does not say “obey your parents, but only if you FEEL like it.” NONE OF THESE ARE THE COMMANDMENT. All things means all things. The only time disobedience is permissible is when your parents demand you to do something that is unsafe or clearly contrary to the Word of God. This is the exception not the rule. If this situation occurs, even as a child, you must realize that you are here to serve God and not man. Acts 5:29 (NKJV) says, We ought to obey God rather than men. This is a verse ALL Christian children should remember, especially when it comes to peer pressure.
Ephesians 6:2-3 (NKJV) says, ’Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on earth. Honoring your father and mother is important enough to God that He made it one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). You may not always understand your parents or agree with their instruction, but you have to understand that your parents love you and only want what’s best for you. When Christian children honor their parents, they honor God. If you don’t believe your parents deserve honor or respect, you should remember the Lord and what He has done for you. In John 14:15 (NIV) (with a little revision) Jesus says, If you love me ______ (insert your name), you will obey what I command. Your love for Jesus should be enough for you to acknowledge and honor your parents’ God-given position of authority regardless of how you feel about them. A big motivator for honoring your parents is that you are promised a long life full of blessing. When you obey and honor your parents, you show them unconditional love and God is glorified!
Go Live The Victory!
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