Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Summary: Speaking of children, how did God deal with his kids?
It is interesting that Paul would include this statement in his section on family values, but not surprising.
Paul is sharing information revealed to him by God (Galatians 1:12). As usual, God’s message is completely consistent over the centuries. It is also a message close to God’s heart.
We are his children.
The first of our kind lived in a perfect Garden in perfect harmony with each other and with God. Then, temptation found its way into the Garden and enticed Eve to eat from the Forbidden Tree.
God was not pleased with his children. Because of their rebellion, they were forced to leave the Garden and fend for themselves. In time, Adam and Eve had children of their own. Cain, the oldest, became jealous of his brother Abel and killed him (Genesis 4:8). The result was another curse, and Cain was sent away to wander the earth.
When God gave the law through Moses, there were two groups of commands. The first group concerned our relationship with God (Commandments 1-4). The first commandment of the second group, those dealing with our own behavior, begins with children.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
Later, additional laws were added as the need arose. One such law had to do with a “rebellious son:”
“If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.” (Deuteronomy 21: 18-21)
Sound harsh? Rebellion in Israel was a serious charge. Each time the people rebelled against God, they paid a price by fire, plague, or invasion.
Since we are now under the New Covenant in Jesus’ blood, a son’s rebellion is no longer a cause for death. If it were, we would all be “dead” in God’s eyes.
Instead, we live lives redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We are God’s children. Disobedience doesn’t suit us.
Application: Live like God is watching, ‘cause he is.
Food for Thought: How should Christian parents act towards rebellious children?
I am certainly not an expert in this subject, so the following is more a result of some research, and more a message for myself now that I think of it.
As a parent:
Unconditional love, empathy, understanding, and forgiveness.
Consistent discipline with clear boundaries, that are age-appropriate, focusing on teaching and guiding rather than simply punishing.
As a follower of Christ:
Biblical discipline that is a reflection of God’s discipline, aimed at correction and restoration.
Prayer for them as your child and as a person.
Prayer for guidance.
Prayer for transformation.
Sharing the Gospel of Christ
Modeling a living Christ in your own life.
Helping them find redemption and a restored relationship with God.
Submit to God in faith, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in the relationship. Don’t lose faith when things don’t work “fast enough.” Don’t give up, but trust that God will give you the right words and actions at the right time, revealing the right results at the right time. Stand ready to receive and then to give.
Thank you, Chris!
Trusting God is key!
Great summation on a tough one Chris!
How should Christian parents act towards rebellious children?
Our hearts are given to our children the moment our eyes met. And as parents we all want only the best for them. God has loved our children before they were born. His greatest desire has been for each to by choice, become beings with eternal life, dwelling in His presence, forever.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16, John 16:13, Romans 8:29,
It is not uncommon for believers to experience a period of rebellion which could be very brief or an extended period of time. As parents we love our children and it is a painful experience to watch this happening. It is a period of time where they by choice live according to their will over submission to Gods will. Of course walking away from God includes walking away from His blessings which include clear rational thoughts. We can pray and counsel, however they will live their lives according to their choices.
The prodigal son gives all a visual picture of Gods position regarding this topic. Luke 15:11-32
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:11, 1 Peter 4:8
Thank you, Ron!
“We can pray and counsel, however they will live their lives according to their choices.” True!
Good comments. Thanks.
🙂