6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6: 1-4
We are to live out our faith in many different contexts of our lives. Remember as Christians, we are to PUT ON and PUT OFF certain behaviors and characters. Last week we visited the godly characters Christians should have and how marriage on earth reflects the love of Christ. This week, we will read about the God-honoring relationship of parents and children, employers and employees, and how we can stand strong in faith.
Who is the head of the household? The dad, the mom, or the children?
God is not only interested in the few hours we spend in church every Sunday or how we carry ourselves outside but also takes great interest in our household. Don’t forget Jesus is the Lord in our home and only when Jesus is the Lord, the leading, submission and obedience can happen in harmony.
Obedience is one of the first things God wants all His children to learn and the best place to learn is at home. When we are little, we listen to our parents and are expected to obey. There are consequences when we don’t. God put us in this training room (our families) so that we would obey God when we become Christians. Yes, sometimes it’s a pain to obey when we feel like disobeying but the blessings are warranted. “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32
Parents are stewards.
Our children are ours but ultimately, they are God’s. Parents in some sense are like foster parents who take their children into the family, love them unconditionally, and give them all they need, and one day they will take wings and fly away. During the time God entrusts His children in your hands, we are expected to do everything in our power so that they will become men or women of God. Therefore, “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Eph 6:5 and not our own.
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, thank you for the parents and children you gave us. Please DAILY show us how to honor our parents and bring up godly children. In difficult moments, help us to be patient and know that ultimately, they are Yours. Amen
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 