MAY 10

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

The 5th commandment tells us clearly that every child of God must honour their father and mother. Ephesians 6:1 gives a further exhortation to children to obey their parents. One clear hallmark of every Christian youth, is that he knows how to honour and obey his parents.

The instruction in Ephesians 6:1 is clear and simple. It tells children to obey their parents in the Lord: for it is right. That is the one and only simple reason given as to why we should obey – for it is right! It does not say we obey because our parents are nice to us, or that we should obey because our parents are easy to get along with. It simply says that that is the right thing to do, and therefore we should do it. Therefore regardless of how difficult you perceive your parents to be, we must regard them as the God-given authority set over us, and we must simply obey. In so doing, we show forth a good witness of filial piety and respect to our parents. If they are non-believers, they might be moved and encouraged by your testimony and come to see the value of Christianity.

It is a fact, however, that some parents are not good examples. If such parents require their child to steal, or lie, or cheat, or assist them in wrongdoing, then obedience to God takes precedence. Obeying your parents in the Lord means obeying them only insofar as their demands align with God’s commands. If unbelieving parents object to their child reading the Bible or attending church, there should be much prayer and waiting upon the Lord. In most cases, as children bear a good witness at home, parents will gradually relent and reluctantly allow the child to attend church and read the Bible.

Dear teen, to honour is to show love, respect and defer to the wishes and advice of our parents. To talk back, to argue and to ignore them are rude and are signs of disrespect for parents. How do you show your love to them? You would not only obey the house rules but also show thoughtful consideration by making a drink, bringing a cushion for their tired legs or just simply allowing them to rest without making demands of their time to serve you. By doing this daily, you would then have cultivated a habit that shows you think of them rather than focus on your selfish needs.

Thought: Sin always robs us; obedience always enriches us.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I have disobeyed my parents and continually teach me to honour them for their love and care for me.