Body: | The Children's Responsibility to the Parents
The New Testament binds a great responsibility on children when it says in
Ephesians 6, verses 1-3, "Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this
is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with
promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the
earth". The key words are "honor" and "obey". There is no time limit on
this. God does not free a child from this responsibility simply because he
has now gone to college or is married. A child in the earliest years of
adulthood makes a tragic mistake by neglecting his parents.
It is necessary that we say something about the word "obey". Children are
to obey their parents "in the Lord". One must never forget that his
allegiance to God comes before any man. That includes government,
companions and parents. The early apostles expressed it well when they were
commanded not to preach in the name of Christ. They responded by saying in
Acts 5, verse 29, "We ought to obey God rather than men".
The term "obey your parents" indicates that the parents have laid down some
laws or provided some instruction to guide the children. This is what is
meant by the wise man when he said in Proverbs 22, verse 6, "Train up a
child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from
it". It is understood then that the law is to be obeyed by the child is
that which will make him a fine, decent, responsible person. Instructions
of parents should be revered by children beyond the parents death. No time
limit then on "Children obey your parents in the Lord" Ephesians 6:1. The
other word that stands out so predominantly in the children's
responsibility to their parents is the word "honor". The Bible says in
Ephesians 6, verse 2, "Honor thy father and mother".
This responsibility deals with the child's attitude and respect toward
parents. Webster's New World Dictionary says of the word honor, it is "High
regard of great respect given". "Something done or given as a token of
respect". The home for centuries has provided an environment for one to
learn all of the ABC's of Christian living. It is in the home that seeds of
character can be sown and given an opportunity to flourish. The great
principles of God are to be taught, practiced and cultivated in the home.
The child who has learned to honor parents can then effectively show high
regard toward his fellow man. He later can easily show respect for a
companion and his own children.
It is important that we pause to say that parents have the responsibility
to provide the proper atmosphere in the home so that the child can develop
an appreciation for law and order given by parents. Such an environment
will cause children to rise up and call their parents "blessed". The
example of parents set in honoring and loving one another is far-reaching
in the heart and life-pattern of the child. When a child cannot see parents
love, respect and honor one another, it is extremely difficult for him to
rise above this obstacle and honor those that do not honor themselves.
Remember, in order to manifest honor towards others, you must respect
yourself.
Christ provides us with an example in all things. Having returned from the
visit to the city of Jerusalem at the age of 12, the Bible says that
Christ, "was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in
her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with
God and man" Luke 2, verses 51,52. Christ was obedient to his parents. His
affection and respect for his mother was manifested from the cross. He was
concerned about her care and well-being. He gave this responsibility to the
beloved Apostle John (John 19:25-27). You shall always be children in the
eyes of your parents and in the eyes of the Lord. Your response to the
commandment, "Obey your parents" and "Honor thy father and thy mother",
will be a pretty good yardstick measuring how well you will obey your Lord
and give Him honor through faithful worship.
The child's responsibility is a lifetime achievement, an achievement that
will be richly blessed in all walks of life. In the words of Ephesians
Chapter 6, it is the first commandment with promise.
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