Instructions to Children

Ephesians 6:1-2 “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 thee and thou may live long on the earth.”
As we live and learn about how to live in this world there comes a time when we must look at how we have been raised and the values our parents gave to us. Paul here is giving children a two fold instruction. He begins with “obey your parents”. This flies in the face of the young generation today. It does not matter whether they agree with their parents, understand their rules, or see their individual flaws. Children are to obey their parents promptly, cheerfully, and completely—as long as they are not asked to disobey God’s clear command. Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Then the second tier of the instruction is to honor their parents. What does this mean? Honoring one’s parents’ means respecting the position of authority that they have over you, as their child, and showing that respect in actions and words. There is a Southern tradition that many think is old and out dated. That being to say, yes sir and yes mam. That shows respect. Saying ok or yeah does not show respect.
Respect is also something that is earned. Parents also have an obligation to their children. They are to teach and train them how to respect those who have authority over you by word and deed. Children learn what they see; if a parent does not respect the law neither will their children. If parents do not honor their parents how can they expect their children to honor them? Parents are to teach their children that God requires obedience as much as they need to teach all other Bible lessons. Your children should know God requires obedience and honor from them, toward you, for his glory. Being just your child’s “friend”, rather than their parent, is not an option God gives us.
It would stand to reason then, if children are to honor their earth-bound parents, and honor them with their actions and words, how much more should every child of God honor our Father in heaven? Do we submit to Him promptly and cheerfully? Do we revere Him in all we do and say? Are we teaching our children by example?