“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
I love to ride bikes; and when I was a young girl, I would ride my bike everywhere. I would take a spin around our block, go downtown, or visit my friend. Riding my bike was one of my favorite things to do. But sometimes, I was not allowed to ride. For instance, if my mom was not at home, and I couldn’t get permission, I was not supposed to go out on my bike, because my parents needed to know where I was going and when I would be home.
One summer, my mom had a job at a daycare; and when she left the house in the morning, she told me that I was not allowed to ride my sister’s bike (my bike was broken). That morning, my sister and I were playing outside, and she challenged me to a bike race – my sister would go first and I would time her, and then I would go and she would time me. I knew my mother had told me not to ride my sister’s bike, but I disobeyed. As I was trying to beat my sister’s time, I braked too hard and flew over the handlebars, breaking my left arm. Of course, my mom showed complete compassion, but she also reminded me during that time that if I had obeyed, I would not have broken my arm.
My mom reminded me that it is important to obey her; but more importantly, she reminded me that I should obey God. And when I disobey my parents, I am also disobeying God. God says in Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Because I want to do what is right, I need to follow what the Bible says about obedience. Learning the lesson of obedience to our parents is important because it also teaches us to obey God. God has placed our parents in authority over us for safety. When we obey, we place ourselves under a God-given protection.
Obedience to our parents teaches us obedience to God.
My Response:
» Do I obey my parents in what they tell me to do?