Ephesians 6:1-4
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.”
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Devotion
Paul continues to write concerning practical theology. Now he addresses the most difficult topic of child/parent relationships. He begins this text by instructing children to “obey your parents in the Lord” and “honor your father and mother.” By quoting the fifth commandment, Paul is reminding his readers of the importance of recognizing God’s authority and parental authority over children. Since there are probably no children reading this devotion, I will address this from the parental side of the equation.
It is wonderful to know that as parents, God has bestowed us with authority to carry out our parental responsibilities. Unfortunately, many of us grew up in homes where this authority was weaponized and used to control rather than nurture and guide us toward God. Peter Parker, a.k.a Spiderman, once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Those who have been given authority must exercise wisdom in how they use it. If parents are not wise, they may use their authority to lead their children away from God. We have all known earthly fathers who were bad examples of what our heavenly Father is like.
It is interesting that Paul follows up this instruction with, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” The word translated “exasperate” also means frustrate. When we fail to properly use the authority God has given us as parents, we frustrate our children. We have a responsibility to raise our children to know and respect God’s authority. If we use our parental authority to control our children instead of nurturing them, they will grow up to resent God’s authority.
Parenting is not an easy task. It can be extremely difficult at times, especially during the teen years. It is hard work but well worth it. As we submit to God’s authority, we are being a role model for our children. Please keep in mind that the fifth commandment doesn’t end when we turn eighteen. Even as adult children, we are to look for ways to honor our father and our mother.
Questions to Ponder
In what ways do you exercise your parental authority in the home? What are some ways you honor your father and mother still? What is the most difficult part of parenting for you? Do you have to like your parents to honor them? Do you struggle to submit to God’s authority?
Prayer Points
- Look to our Father in heaven who is the only perfect One! He is slow to anger, abounding in love, tender, patient, committed, strong, ever-present, kind, fierce, protective, all-powerful, helpful, desiring to be with us and hear our voice, loving, joyful, and good.
- Thank the Lord for your own parents, even in their own brokenness God can use them for good. Also, thank Him for “fathers and mothers in the faith” or even in the form of coaches, teachers, neighbors, aunties, friend’s parents, etc.
- Pray for all parents to lean into the Lord, seek His Face, and pray for their children/grandchildren and all those within our church family. Pray that parents reflect the love of Jesus Christ and teach and train their children in the ways of the Lord. Pray each household puts Christ at the center.
Suggested Prayer
I look to You, Lord, and confess that Your leadership is perfect! You Shepherd each one of us into Your truth in love, mercy, kindness, and power. Your rod and staff comfort us, and we know that You are committed to each one of us. You paid it all. You laid it all down for us, so we can trust You and Your ways even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
Thank You, Lord, that You are 100% committed. You are faithful and consistent in Your love, mercy, grace, and power. God, help each one of Your sons and daughters to remember that when we honor and obey authority, we are actually honoring You— from the authority in the government to the authority in our homes, workplaces, and church.
Remind us, Lord, that to submit and yield to those in authority is pleasing to You, to them, and bears everlasting fruit for Your kingdom. Help us to remember to draw on the strength of the Holy Spirit for the power that is needed to joyfully surrender, to joyfully and peacefully submit and yield, and to pray for those in our midst. Oh God, teach us. Help us, Lord, especially during this odd time. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.