Scripture to Read: Colossians 3:20
To have healthy families, we also need children who understand their role as outlined in God’s Word. God has Paul write in Colossians 3:20, “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” God said that children are to obey their parents in all things. The question always arises, “What if the parents ask a child to do something contrary to God’s Word?” The answer is that God’s Word always trumps anything that does not line up with His Word. A child must obey God in all things just like their parents should, but a child in harm’s way must seek refuge from other godly Christians. A child remains under their parents’ authority as long as their parents are paying for their children’s housing, meals, and any other bills. So, age does not give a child the right to do what they want, even if they are 18, 19, 20, and so on. Children become independent when their parents are no longer paying for any of their bills. In today’s culture, this is particularly important to understand because many children are staying home longer, and they often believe that having reached a certain age they can make all their own decisions. This is a lie from the enemy. Children remain children until they are on their own. God had Paul write it this way in Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” When children obey their parents, they are learning godly wisdom, self-discipline, and how to be obedient to Christ Himself.
Challenge & Application
How long are children to walk in obedience to their parents, and why is this important to understand?
What are children learning when they choose to obey their parents, and how does this affect their obedience to Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!