Children

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’–which is the first commandment with a promise–‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'” Eph 6:1-3 (NIV)

God gives a clear word on the essentials for a peaceful home. A home that brings honor to God is a home where children obey their parents. When children respond to their parents with instant obedience, peace permeates the home. When obedience erodes, rebellion erupts.

Children must first be in submission to their parents if they are going to be in submission to God. The horizontal obedience to parents directly affects the vertical allegiance to God. Obedience to parents is the children’s God-given role. For a child to live in rebellion to parents is to live out of fellowship with God. Obedience is an indicator of a right relationship with God. Without obedience there is no blessing.

The first commandment with a promise is that children honor their father and mother.  Think of what is means to dishonor. There’s no peace in the home when children dishonor their parents. To honor the Lord, children must honor the parents He gave them. Quality of life is based on the fruit of your relationship with your parents and with the Lord.

A peaceful home begins with children and parents being in a right relationship with God. Anger must be diffused. Resentment must be eradicated. Bitterness must be evacuated. Forgiveness must extended and received. 

What needs to happen in your home for peace to permeate?

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care