Ephesians 6:1-3: "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.'"
Honoring parents is not a pleasant suggestion to children; it is a command that has a promise attached to it. Failure to follow this command affects the quality of life our children live and their longevity (Proverbs 20:20: "If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness").
As parents, we must be vigilant to what is happening in the lives of our children. Pride and selfishness are idols that drive our children to dishonor us as parents. Whereas it may not look dangerous as it begins, any form of disobedience is a building block for those idols. What may look cute and harmless can grow into an oak of a habit that is not desirable in the life of the child as they grow into adulthood (Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it").
Parents must take firm action on any behavior that does not honor God, no matter how harmless it may look (Proverbs 13:24: "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them"; Proverbs 29:15: "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother").
Action Points for Parents
1. Model Respect and Honor: Demonstrate respect and honor in your own relationships, including how you treat your spouse, parents, and others. Children learn by observing, and your behavior sets a powerful example (1 Peter 2:17: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor").
2. Consistent Discipline: Implement consistent and loving discipline that aligns with biblical principles. Address disobedience promptly and appropriately to prevent small issues from becoming larger problems (Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it").
3. Open Communication: Foster an environment of open communication where children feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. This helps build trust and allows you to guide them effectively (James 1:19: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry").
