Topical Bible: Children: Good: Their Obedience to Parents is Well Pleasing to God

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In the Christian tradition, the obedience of children to their parents is considered a fundamental virtue that aligns with God's divine order for family life. This principle is deeply rooted in Scripture and is seen as a reflection of a child's respect for God's authority.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible explicitly instructs children to obey their parents, emphasizing that such obedience is pleasing to the Lord. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses this in his letters to the early Christian communities. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage not only commands obedience but also connects it with a promise of well-being and longevity.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:20 , Paul reiterates, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." Here, the emphasis is on the comprehensive nature of obedience, underscoring that it should encompass all aspects of life.

Old Testament Context

The call for children to honor and obey their parents is not limited to the New Testament. It is deeply rooted in the Old Testament as well. The Fifth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12 , states, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is foundational to the moral and social fabric of Israelite society and is seen as a key component of God's covenant with His people.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the obedience of children to their parents is seen as a microcosm of the broader relationship between humanity and God. Just as children are called to submit to the authority of their parents, believers are called to submit to God's authority. This obedience is not merely about following rules but is an expression of love, respect, and trust.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, the obedience of children is essential for the harmony and stability of the family unit. It fosters an environment where love and respect can flourish, and where children can learn the values and principles that will guide them throughout their lives. Parents, in turn, are called to nurture and instruct their children in the ways of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 22:6 : "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Challenges and Encouragement

While the ideal of obedience is clear, the reality can be challenging. Children, like all humans, are prone to sin and rebellion. However, the Bible offers encouragement and guidance for both parents and children. Through prayer, teaching, and the example of Christ-like living, families can strive to embody the principles laid out in Scripture.

In summary, the obedience of children to their parents is a key biblical principle that is pleasing to God. It reflects a broader spiritual truth about submission to divine authority and is essential for the well-being of both the family and the community of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Obedience to Parents.
... were planted there by the hands of good and pious ... preserves nations from corruption;
that respect which children, who truly ... it is to be honored by their company ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xix obedience to parents.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... inward Divine assurance, given to all the children of God ... doing their Father's will,
and that their ways are ... the commandment holy and just and good." "Just and ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

On Obedience to Parents
... Eli, "Nay, my children, it is no good report which I ... children; particularly you that
are the children of religious ... that by the divine appointment their will is ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... and holy a work is here assigned children, which is alas ... wish to serve God with truly
good works, that ... distressing, and difficult works and make their boast, we ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... But even if our children learn ever so well in loyal ... pleasures of the flesh; when
they, of their own accord, make a habit of following the good ways into ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/ix the christian training of.htm

Colossians iii. 18-25
... he sets down the names, "wives, children, servants," being ... they need not the
superintendence of their master; for ... heartily" means this, "with good will," not ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... 4) When your children are grown ... them to some lawful calling, wherein they may serve
their generation ... It is good to consult the natural genius and inclination of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Introduction
... toward their parents, of parents toward their children, and of ... God and for God's
sake, is the true "good work ... of the Church, he frankly reveals their faults and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/introduction.htm

The Use of Money
... who think they can never leave their children enough ... provide these for your wife,
your children, your servants ... still, "as you have opportunity, do good unto all ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 50 the use of.htm

On Obedience to Pastors
... heart is waking, full of concern for their beloved children. ... themselves to those
that watch over their souls ... those that are supposed to be good Christians, who ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 97 on obedience to.htm