CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS

WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL

OCTOBER 18 2021

TOPIC: CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS

BY T. O. BANSO

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be … disobedient to parents…” (2 Timothy 3:1-2 New King James Version).

One of the dominant features of the last days is disobedience to parents. We see it so rampant and pervasive today. Even children of Christian parents are being attacked by this spirit, making them rebel against their parents.

Some parents are having nightmares over their children not because they’ve failed in their responsibilities towards them but the devil has declared war against homes. Indeed, we are in the last days. May God touch the hearts of many children who will read this.

Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (New King James Version). From this scripture, it is clear that obedience to parents and honour for them are linked. A child must obey his parents and honour them. The consequence of not doing so is that it won’t be well for such a child, and he won’t live long.

Every child belongs to the Lord, not the devil. Therefore, no child should let the devil make him disobey or dishonour his parents. Deuteronomy 27:16 says cursed be anyone who dishonours his father or mother. Honour your parents and don’t die before your time. As the New Living Translation puts God’s command to the Israelites in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, they should honour their parents so that they will live a long, full life in the land the LORD would give them. This is the first commandment with a promise. Referring to this, Paul says if you honour your father and mother,  “You will live a long life, full of blessing” (Ephesians 6:3b New Living Translation).

Be a wise child. A wise son or daughter keeps the law. This includes God’s laws in the Bible and societal laws. Proverbs 28:7 says, “Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father” (King James Version). No child will cause shame to his parents and excel in life. He will serve other children who obey the law and honour their parents. says, “A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share an inheritance among the brothers” (Proverbs 17:2  New King James Version Version). It is in the interest of every child to obey and honour his parents.

Left to children, they want to do what pleases them. Every child wants to do what seems right to him. But they must know that their parents are there to set standards and to teach them to obey God’s laws in the Bible and obey rules set anywhere they find themselves, otherwise, the law will take its course. Every child will face the consequences of disobedience.

If you’re a child, don’t do what seems right in your own eyes like the children of Israel (Judges 17:6; 21:25). Proverbs 30:12 says, “There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness” (New King James Version). Don’t let the devil deceive you. Don’t follow the wrong path the devil is telling you is the right path. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12 New Living Translation). Proverbs 16:25 says a similar thing. 

God has instituted human authority to set rules and standards on His behalf for the smooth and proper conduct of human affairs. A wise child should obey all rules and regulations put in place by human authorities as long as they do not violate God’s Word. It is in your own interest as a child to do so. It is also advisable that you do not have anything to do with anyone who deliberately walks against authorities because such a person is in opposition to God.

God’s instruction is very clear about obeying authorities, including your parents. You should not disobey authorities. The governments have been placed in power by God (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). If you disobey them, you’re saying you’re not accountable to them, and, therefore, not accountable to God. Consequently, you make God your enemy. And if God is your enemy, it will make no difference who is your friend.

Dear child, God expects you to be accountable to your parents – you are to obey them. The Bible says in Colossians 3:20, “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (New King James Version).

It’s in your interest to obey your parents and be accountable to them. A sorrowful future awaits a rebellious child. “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1 New King James Version). Only a wise child who obeys the law will be happy. He who disobeys will suffer the punishment for disobedience.

If you disobey your parents, you’ll never be a happy child. Even if you’re happy now, you will be full of regrets later in life. That will not be your portion in Jesus’ name. “Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]” (Proverbs 29:18 Amplified Bible). Obey the Word of God.

Wise children will cooperate with their parents, knowing that the discipline they administer is for their own good. “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you” (Proverbs 9:8 New King James Version). Because wise children don’t reject discipline, they learn and thereby become wiser. “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother” (Proverbs 1:8 New King James Version).

Also, Proverbs 3:1-2 says, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you” (New King James Version). In addition, the Bible says, “My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother” (Proverbs 6:20 New King James Version).

No one hates discipline and becomes wiser. “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1 New King James Version). Similarly, Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke” (New King James Version). A foolish child will not heed the instruction or discipline of his parents. He’ll react against their words of wisdom. Proverbs 23:9 says, “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words” (New King James Version).

Some children reject discipline and walk out on their parents. They grumble and say that their parents are old-fashioned. “A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5 New King James Version).

Rebellious children always think they can handle their lives themselves. They assume everybody is wrong and they’re right. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15 New King James Version). “I wish I had listened to my parents” is the song children who disobey their parents sing later in life. Repent now!

I pray that the Lord will touch the heart of every rebellious child. Their hearts shall be restored to their parents in Jesus’ name. I also pray that your children will not become rebellious. They will obey you as you train them in the way of the Lord. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 New King James Version).

TAKE ACTION!

If you are not born again, you need to give your life to Jesus now. I urge you to take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner and you cannot save yourself and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church. There they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.

Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life to Jesus now and invite Him into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.

I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You will need to join a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church in your area where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.

PRAYER POINTS:  Father, these last days, my children shall not be disobedient to me. They will not become rebellious children. Holy Spirit, help my children to live a life that pleases God. Touch the heart of every disobedient child that they will obey and honour their parents and bring them joy, not shame and sorrow.

(For over 600 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).

T. O. Banso is the President, Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
Email: cedarministryintl@yahoo.com,
cedarministryng@gmail.com
Website: www.cedarministry.org