The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites once they were liberated from Egypt. Now freed, this community of God was meant to live in His joyful freedom.
Among these commandments, the relationship between parents and children held significant importance.
“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).
Paul gave household rules for families in the new Ephesian Christian community. These rules covered how children and parents should treat each other.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
“Honor your father and mother” — this is the first commandment with a promise — “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6.1-4).
The Greek term for “obey” in Ephesians 6:1 actually refers to listening. It suggests that when we listen, it’s expected we’ll also obey. This idea is common in the Bible – listening and obeying go hand in hand.
One way kids show respect to their parents is by paying attention to their words.
I don’t know about you, but there are many times I wish I had followed my parents’ advice instead of doing things my own way.
Parents, which include both fathers and mothers, should not exasperate or make their children angry. This is another one of the important instructions in this passage.
What if?
What might happen in our families if all members, both parents, and children, took Paul’s advice to heart and acted on it?
(1) God’s blessings – This behavior could create peace and respect within the family.
It might also open doors for blessings from God that the family has never experienced before.
(2) Long and fulfilling life – I don’t know the exact number of funerals I’ve conducted for young adults under 30. However, I do believe that if most had listened to their parent’s advice, they might have lived longer lives.
(3) Strong family bonds – Parents who follow the guidance of not angering their children, but instead teaching them with love and faith, often experience stronger family ties.
This approach creates an environment for a home to be filled with love, trust, and understanding.
(4) Spiritual growth – The Ten Commandments and Paul’s teachings aim to build a community full of life, love, and God’s presence.
If kids heed their parents’ advice, and if parents guide them correctly, this is what they will experience at home.
What if, like me, your children are grown and your grandchildren aren’t nearby? How can we obey this command?
I suggest we pray. We should ask God to fulfill the tasks in these verses that only He can accomplish, and then watch Him at work.
YouTube Video
I am on vacation, so I have posted this article a day early. Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on Friday, August 4 on YouTube. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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