WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
OCTOBER 18, 2025
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. It is so rampant and pervasive today. Even children of Christian parents are being attacked by this spirit, making them rebel against their parents.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (New King James Version). But some parents are having nightmares over their children, not because they’ve failed in their responsibilities towards them, but because the devil has declared war against homes. Indeed, we are in the last days. “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).
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, 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 that cursed is the one who treats his father or mother with contempt. Honour your parents so that you won’t die before your time. According to the New Living Translation, God told the Israelites that they should honour their parents so that they will “live a long, full life” in the land the LORD was giving them (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). This is the first commandment with a promise. In this regard, Paul says that if you honour your father and mother, “You will have a long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3b, New Living Translation).
Every child should be wise. A wise son or daughter keeps God’s laws, summed up in love for God and fellow human beings, 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 who shames his parents will excel in life. He will serve other children who obey the law and honour their parents. Proverbs 17:2 says, “A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share an inheritance among the brothers” (New King James Version). It is in the interest of children to obey and honour their parents.
Left to their own devices, children 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 teach them to obey God’s laws in the Bible and to obey the rules wherever 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 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 that the devil is telling you is right. “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 laws 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 the authorities because such a person is in opposition to God.
God’s instruction is clear about obeying authorities, including your parents. You should obey the 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 that 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 your friend is.
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. Whoever disobeys will suffer the punishment for disobedience.
If you disobey your parents, you’ll not 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 accept discipline, they learn and 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 who hates discipline 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 later sing. Repent now!
Parents of disobedient or rebellious children must never give up. They must keep loving them and interceding for them, trusting God to touch their hearts and change them. With God, all things are possible.
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you must give your heart to Jesus now. Please 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 heart. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising 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 God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I invite Jesus 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 must join a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, and Bible-practising church where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a 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, my children shall not be disobedient to me these last days. They will not become rebellious children. Holy Spirit, help my children to live a life that pleases God. I will not be a rebellious child or dishonour my parents. Touch the heart of every rebellious or disobedient child that they will obey and honour their parents and bring them joy, not shame and sorrow.
(For over 900 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
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