Listening & Learning — A Devotional

Ephesians 6:1

THIS IS RIGHT

THIS IS RIGHT. Ephesians 6:1. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Understanding that your parents are responsible for your actions and choices at home is important. You are their child; they love and care for you deeply, even if some home rules seem unfair. Parents correct wrong behavior because God gave you to them to prepare you for a meaningful life. You come from God as a gift to them; they do what they do because you belong to Him. Obeying their rules and doing what they ask might not make you happy, especially if it’s hard, but credit them for doing what is right. Later on, you might see things from their perspective, considering the experiences they’ve already had. Just like you, they learned from their parents, and as your life continues, all you've learned from them will eventually make sense.

The main point to understand as we follow their guidance is that they are responsible for leading your life in the ways of the Lord. The word “obey” means to “give ear to” your parents. Do what you are told when you are under their care. Eventually, they will have to report to Him and clearly explain what they did while raising you for the Lord. They will want to tell Him that their choices were made so that their children might not sin. A “right” choice means that naturally, each decision they made would help you grow spiritually. It is a “right” choice when it aligns with living a meaningful life for the effort you put in. Ignoring the facts of the spirit and soul would be dangerous because it misses the goal of pleasing the Lord. Your parents want you to know and serve the Lord with grace and to make the spiritual truths you have learned your own.