Mutual Responsibility – Children. Colossians 3:20-21 Children need to understand that they must obey God first when they obey their parents. Pleasing God is the primary duty of the believing child, and this mindset naturally leads to a willingness to obey parents unless they are asked to do something that is wrong. Parents’ responsibility to their children is to encourage, care for, and nurture them spiritually, physically, and morally. The responsibility of children is to practice obedience to those who have authority over them.
Children have the right to be born. For parents to abort an unborn child is usurping a child's right to life for selfish reasons, even if the law may not prosecute them. Children have the right to be properly nourished by parents in every part of their personhood—body, soul, and spirit. Children need to be given clear responsibilities within the household. Obedience is probably their first and most difficult responsibility to accept. Teaching children to participate in and contribute to family life as an obligation is essential. Children may reveal problems within the family structure. The level of obedience often motivates appropriate behavior because it is being modeled by the older family members.
Parents should be respected when they follow the Lord, even if they are not perfect in actions or words. God has given them the responsibility to provide for and care for their children. A father is designated as the head of the home, meaning he bears the final responsibility for everyone in the family. Obeying him is wise, as he and your mother usually discuss the family needs together. As a child, you must trust them even if you do not like the decisions they make or the instructions you must follow. Remember, you are pleasing the Lord when you obey them, even if you do not agree with every decision and word they pass on.
Parents, remember that children deserve respect because they are human beings like you. They simply haven't experienced everything you've gone through yet. Be sure not to embitter them, even if they resent or disobey you. Treat them with care. The future you're guiding them toward will be shared with them and their children in the days ahead. Nagging and criticism often backfire, especially when you keep correcting and repeating what you've already said. This doesn't send a clear message; it's a mistake not to communicate your meaning plainly. If parents and children lose mutual respect, frustration and discouragement will follow. When parents and children communicate with love and faith, family harmony becomes a blessing to all.
Consistent parenting by steady parents will strengthen children and help them face significant pressure from peers and the educational system to engage in ungodly behavior. Even recent government changes to laws that have long guided society will be used to try to force our children to conform to secular behaviors. Do not be afraid to correct misbehavior or willful disobedience. Allowing such behaviors to continue without correction does no favors if children do not realize that negative consequences come to those who do wrong and positive ones to those who do right. Correcting children by enforcing guidelines creates a safe and supportive environment to meet their daily needs. Frustrating children fosters resentment and discourages them from following the Christian lifestyle.
To properly maintain a Christian home, a specific time for reading the Bible and praying should be set each day. The order of family life should be clearly explained to everyone. Each family member needs to understand what is expected of them. Examples of respect and participation should be demonstrated and understood to uphold the family unit properly. Everyone should be aware of and prepared for the consequences of misbehavior through appropriate discipline. Responsibilities must be clearly defined, taught, and suited to each person. The Lord must be placed before each one, with commitment and loyalty to Him and the family expected. A balanced family life is maintained when we recognize and fulfill our obligations. Consideration and respect for every family member should be given, regardless of age or position. We should never be half-hearted in any task and always remain faithful to the Lord and our family.