To Obey Or Not To Obey

• How does your family compare to other families you know when it comes to rules and discipline?

• What happens in a family when obedience and discipline break down?

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Colossians 3:20

“Obey your parents.” Do any three words make kids roll their eyes more? Maybe “Eat your peas” or “Do your homework.” But “Obey your parents” certainly ranks high on the list.

Obeying means giving up your personal freedom—doing what your parents tell you to do instead of what you want to do. And for what? What do kids get out of it? God’s pleasure, that’s what. Imagine being able to make the Creator of the universe happy. Sons and daughters are given the opportunity to do that every time they’re faced with a rule or instruction.

Remember too that children aren’t the only ones who get called out by the apostle Paul. He also gives instructions to husbands, wives, and parents. In God’s plan for the family, every member has a responsibility. When we fulfill it, we put a smile on God’s face.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for showing us what a loving Father is like. Help us remember that when we’re obedient to our parents, we please you. Amen.