◄ What Does Colossians 3:20 Mean? ►

There is no excuse for the born-again child of God to argue that they do not know the privileges that are ours in Christ. As Christians, we should know the God-given rules for holy living which are written for our learning in the Word of God. We should know the truth and we should be applying these biblical principles for godly living in our everyday lives - because they are very clearly laid out for our learning in all the New Testament epistles.

Paul reminds us, in the first chapters of Colossians, of our privileged position in Christ and encourages us to set our minds on those things that are ours, by grace through faith in Him. We are to train the eyes of our mind on things that are above and not on things that are of the earth... for when Christ died, we died with Him and our life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Let us never forget that we are a new creation in Christ, having been given His new, resurrected life when we were justified by faith. By faith, we have received a glorious inheritance in Him that is kept for us in heaven. How important, therefore, to lay aside the old Adamic life where we were dead in sins and enslaved to the evil one. How vital that we clothe ourselves in Christ and live for Him alone, for this is well-pleasing in His sight.

And there is no more important time to start learning this important truth, than in our childhood... for youth and physical immaturity does not exempt someone from living under Christian principles. Starting to bear the yoke of responsibility and doing those things that are righteous in God's sight, is necessary training from childhood onwards - and so we read: "Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord."

When Paul outlines appropriate behaviour in a Christian household, he makes it very clear that there are fundamental guidelines for every member of a family, including the children. The fundamental principles for godly living must be followed by all if God is to be truly glorified in their home.

Fathers should set an example of Christlikeness to their children and are instructed not to embitter them or exasperate them so that they will not lose heart. Indeed, the father... as the head of the home, should set a godly example to all by exercising loving leadership and appropriate correction, without inflicting autocratic domination.

A wise and virtuous wife understands that her willing submission to her husband's leadership role is a beautiful example of godly love and respect that will influence her children from infancy.

In the Old Testament, we discover that disobedience to parents is a form of rebellion against the Lord Who ordained a particular 'order' in the family unit which was to be a reflection of Christ and the Church, which is His Body - His Bride.

The Word of God places the responsibility of bringing up youngsters in an ordered, family setting, and ordains that children should be reared in the fear and nurture or the Lord. Children are not simply instructed to be obedient in certain things that suit them - but are to be obedient in ALL things. And although obedience to parents is not a ticket to salvation, (for children must trust in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins) - it is the Lord Who ordained that parental obedience in a godly home is the best forum to teach our offspring the important things of life... which will provide them with a long and productive life and a lifelong reverence for the Lord our God.

Children have the right to be treated with love and respect, but they also have the responsibility to be obedient to their parents. Sadly, when parents are not under the authority of God, they are ill-equipped to discipline their own children, and this can have a detrimental effect in the home and in society at large. But having non-Christian parents does not exempt a child from this command, to "be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord," for He has promised to give His sufficient grace to all who trust in Him.

May we recognise the importance of family roles, biblical responsibility, godly discipline, and child training, as well as our accountability towards God... and may we as children of our Heavenly Father, be obedient to Him in all things - for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, thank You for ordaining that we are placed in families and for guiding us in the biblical roles and responsibilities we have towards one another. Help me to be obedient to You in thought, word, and deed, and help me to be an example of a godly life in my own family and to those in the wider community with whom I come in contact. Thank You for my own parents and thank You that I am Your child. May I live and work to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.