91. Practical Behavioral Standards 2: Obedient

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Children are given two direct commands in the Bible: one is to honor their parents, and the other is to obey their parents. Obedience is mentioned in both codes of conduct listed in Colossians 3 and Ephesians 6. It is also one of the standards listed for the children of church leaders given in 1 Timothy 3. Helping our children learn to obey is one of our greatest tasks as parents.

You can set standards on anything that you or others find displeasing (Don’t play with your food, don’t nag, and dress appropriately). There should be standards that keep them from harm. (Don’t play in the street, jump on the bed, or play with matches.). They also need guidelines that promote their health and wellbeing. (Wash your hands, brush your teeth, and go to bed at 8:30.) You’ll also need principles that help them get along with others. (Share, let others go first, don’t take what isn’t yours.) You should also consider setting structured events that help educate or develop discipline. (Have quiet times, do your homework, or read in bed.)

Obviously, this is a significant part of your parenting, and someone could fill several books with ideas of rules that you may want to consider. Yet, when it comes down to it, you need to seek God for wisdom on what rules to set for your home.

Your children should obey whatever standard you set. You do not need to find a verse to defend every rule you give them. In other words, you can just say, “Don’t stick jellybeans in your ears.” You don’t have to find a verse that states this. God has given you, the parent, the wisdom and authority to determine such rules for the benefit of your children. Whatever rules you set, He expects your children to follow. It is your job, parent, to make sure they obey.

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