Teaching your children that obedience is love will radically impact your parenting. Paul tells children to obey their parents. To rightly understand Paul’s admonition to children, we must remember how Paul previously described obedient living to the Ephesians.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Walking in the way of love is the path of blessing. This truth of this verse must not be separated from what Paul writes in Ephesians 6:3. Otherwise, obedience becomes about performance and earning approval. Obedience is not about doing what I say or else. Obedience to parents must be rooted in love for God, offered to him as a fragrant offering. We are lovingly created in Christ Jesus for good works.
Obedience given to parents must be seen as obedience to Christ. They cannot be separated.
When Paul says in Ephesians 6:3, obey so that it will go well with you, he is not saying “follow this formula to success.” Rather, Paul says that obedient works must be seen as a love offering to God. This is what children should be pursuing with all their hearts. There is nothing in the first five chapters of Ephesians that suggests that obedience is anything other than a gift we offer back to God. For this to happen, nothing short of the miracle of the gospel is needed.
Take time to think about what it is your goal for obedience. In your home, does obedience focus primarily on the parent–child relationship? Does obedience only consist of do this and don’t do that? How much of your training is directed to showing obedience as a love offering for Christ? Of course, faith in Christ is essential for this to happen, which is why the gospel must an integral part of your everyday parenting.
Seeing obedience as a love offering to God is what makes biblical child training unique. Obedience that is offered as a love offering to God is what Paul says will bring true life and wellbeing on this earth. Paul is urging you and your children to lovingly obey in the strength and hope of the gospel.
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