Topical Bible: Good Children: 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 a fundamental principle that is deeply rooted in Scripture. This obedience is not merely a social construct but is seen as a divine mandate that reflects the order and harmony intended by God for family life. The Bible provides clear guidance on this topic, emphasizing that such obedience is pleasing to God and beneficial for the spiritual and moral development of children.

Biblical Foundation

The command for children to obey their parents is explicitly stated in several passages of the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments include the directive: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment is unique in that it comes with a promise of longevity and prosperity, underscoring the importance God places on familial respect and obedience.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this command in his letters. In Ephesians 6:1-3, he 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), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Here, Paul not only echoes the commandment but also highlights its righteousness and the blessings associated with it.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:20, Paul instructs, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." This verse emphasizes that obedience is not selective but comprehensive, covering all aspects of life, and it is directly linked to pleasing God.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the obedience of children to their parents is seen as a reflection of the order established by God. It mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church, where Christ is the head, and the Church submits to His authority (Ephesians 5:23-24). In this way, the family unit becomes a microcosm of divine order, with parents serving as stewards of God's authority and children learning to submit to that authority as a preparation for their relationship with God.

Obedience to parents is also viewed as a means of instilling discipline and moral values in children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training involves teaching children to respect authority, understand the consequences of their actions, and develop a sense of responsibility and integrity.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, the obedience of children to their parents fosters a harmonious and stable family environment. It encourages mutual respect and understanding, as parents are also called to nurture and instruct their children in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This dynamic creates a supportive atmosphere where children can grow and thrive, knowing they are loved and guided by their parents.

Moreover, the practice of obedience helps children develop virtues such as humility, patience, and self-control. These virtues are essential for their personal growth and for building healthy relationships with others. By learning to obey their parents, children are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life and to make choices that align with their faith and values.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for children to obey their parents is a timeless principle that remains relevant in contemporary society. It is a reflection of God's design for family life and a means of cultivating godly character in the next generation. Through obedience, children not only honor their parents but also honor God, who is the ultimate authority in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Obedience to Parents.
... trouble to us, for they were planted there by the hands of good and pious ... how many
women there are who have never been children even with their mothers. ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xix obedience to parents.htm

On Obedience to Parents
... Nay, my children, it is no good report which I ... consider, that by the divine appointment
their will is ... "Children, obey your parents in all things." No exception ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.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

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... He will reward you abundantly with all good, or if ... families who fare well and have
many children, they owe ... and in the generation following let their name be ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.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

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
... the house, and shareth in the children, and in ... to their nurture, and to imitate their
mothers' behavior ... own glory, that all shining brightly in good works, and ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.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

Miscellaneous.
... know him: it can hardly have a good word in ... above; for parents to be debased, and
children to lord ... they may be delivered from obedience to their parents.1 Tim.1 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxix miscellaneous.htm