IMPACTFUL PARENTING (2)

“CHILDREN, obey your PARENTS in the Lord, for this is right” – Ephesians 6:1

Scriptures present the model of a two-way responsibility for IMPACTFUL PARENTING: “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” (Eph.6: 1-3). Our meditation passage highlights the dual roles of children and parents, integrating mutual respect and responsible guidance, with the ultimate aim of guiding in the way of the Lord. Children are called to obey and honour their parents, which is linked to a promise of a good and long life. Parents, particularly fathers, are instructed not to provoke their children to anger but to raise them with the "discipline and instruction of the Lord." 

Children are instructed to obey their parents in a way that is consistent with God's Will. This obedience is a foundation for learning to obey other authorities, including God. They are to honour their father and mother. This is considered the first commandment with a promise: that things will go well and they will live long on the earth. To honour parents means to show them high respect and hold them in high esteem, recognizing their God-appointed authority. This includes obeying them in all things “in the Lord” – meaning, when their requests align with God’s Will, which is considered the “right thing to do.” This honour is not passive or just a matter of lip service but is shown through active submission, thoughts, words, and actions.

Parents – and specifically fathers in this text – are counselled to not provoke their children; to avoid actions that could cause the children to rebel or become resentful. Parents are responsible for nurturing their children in the “training and admonition of the Lord” (v.4b). Other translations refer to these as the “discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The phrase “bring them up” means to “nurture and guide,” to rear them, nourish them to maturity, and prepare their souls for a relationship with God. To not provoke them includes avoiding extremes: excessive severity, over-protection, or discouraging them from pursuing their goals. Well-parented children, when they grow into adulthood, will honour their parents by taking care of the and their needs.

The overall impact of this mutually beneficial dual relationship is the creation of a healthy, Christ-centred family dynamic. This is not a chance happening. It involves intentionally training and guiding children according to the Lord’s teachings, not through harshness or excessive demands, but by exemplary living. This model shifts focus from secular parenting goals to training children to be spiritual disciples. Such effective parenting creates a secure environment where children can thrive and reflect the love of God to the world. Raising children to honour God and their parents is essential for their long-term well-being.