Today I share with you some thoughts on Godly parenting {and I am no expert — I am fallen and need God just like everyone else!} But here is a poster on God’s authority in the home.
A parent is often heard saying to their child, “Because I told you so!” But this is not right. We command our children to obey because this is what God demands of them. They are responsible, before God, to obey.
The last few months have been trying, and yet edifying, for me as a parent. My son has challenged my will and fortitude. {And I know much of his defiance has been from the change in pace from our routine since my arm break.} We cannot ignore the little defiances because they will be much bigger later on. I must remember that God calls me, and has blessed me, to discipline my child in His love so that he will become a loving, caring, and responsible citizen of the world.
A quote from Charles Hodge, a professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Seminary, has helped me shape my parenting:
God’s authority should be brought in constant and immediate contact with the mind, heart, and conscience of the child.
And, of course Ephesian 6 does not simply say, “Obey your parents:”
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
No, Paul wrote for children to obey parents in the Lord. All for our children’s benefit, so they will become a responsible and disciplined adult. Instead of “Because I said!” We can say, “You are responsible before God to obey me.” My son is learning to memorize this one! And of course, we should never misuse our authority and always delegate in love. Our children will only respect us if we are respectable parents — always bearing in mind their age and abilities with expectations.
This verse and quote have helped me and I hope they help you in your parenting!
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Blessings,
Graphics from The Ink Nest.
I love what you wrote!! It is so true. It really bothers me when parents seem to think they have absolute authority, or that somehow they are in the place of God to their children. Children should obey us because they obey God, and it should come from their heart, not from our coercion or training.
Thank you, Alisa, we are responsible to God just as children are to us. So glad you visited!