The Bible says something simple to children. "Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Obeying means doing what your mum or dad asks, with a kind voice, even when you would rather keep doing your own thing.
Why does God say this? Because He gave you your parents. They pack your lunch. They wash your school clothes. They sit with you when you are sick. When you obey them, you are not just being good. You are loving the God who put them in your life.
Paul also says, "Honor your father and mother." Honor is bigger than obeying. Honor means treating them as precious. It means saying please and thank you. It means looking up when they talk to you.
And this is the first commandment with a promise. God says it will go well with you. That is not a magic spell. It is a good Father telling you that His way fits the way He made you.
Today, when a parent asks you for something, try to stop right away, with a gentle answer.
🏠My Family
Obeying With a Happy Heart
God gave you your family, and obeying them is one way of loving Him
October 28, 20263 min readNIV
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."
— Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Obey parents
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
Emma sat at the table with her comic book open. She was on the best page.
Mum came in carrying a big basket of clothes. "Emma, can you help me fold these?"
Emma's hands stayed on the page. "But I'm almost done."
Mum waited. She did not say it again.
Emma looked at the comic. Then she looked at the basket. She gave a big sigh and closed the book. She picked up a towel and folded it, then another.
Her first folds were lumpy. Mum did not fix them. "Thank you, Emma," she said.
Emma leaned over and hugged Mum's arm. "I'm glad you're my family," she said.
Reflection
Think About It
• When a parent asks you to stop and help, what makes it hard to say yes right away? • How could you honor your mum or dad with your words today?
Prayer
God, sometimes I want to keep playing. Sometimes I answer back, and I am sorry. You gave me my family, and You know I need them. Yet I will trust You, and obey with a glad heart. Amen.
Live It Out
Today, give someone in your family a hug and say, "I'm glad you're my family."