Obedience

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” — Ephesians 6:1 (ASV)

“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.” — Colossians 3:20 (ASV)

“My son, keep the commandment of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother.” — Proverbs 6:20 (ASV)

“And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” — 1 Samuel 15:22 (ASV)

“If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (ASV)

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.” — James 1:22 (ASV)

Parents should begin teaching obedience while children are still very young rather than allowing self-will during the early years and expecting to correct it later through reasoning alone. The home is the child’s first school, and obedience should be established there from the beginning as a fundamental part of character training.
— Paraphrased from CG 82.2

Even young children can understand simple instruction and learn to obey when parents exercise authority with firmness, consistency, wisdom, and love. Harshness is unnecessary; steady and affectionate guidance is more effective. When selfishness, anger, and self-will are permitted to rule during the earliest years, however, resistance to discipline can become deeply rooted and may later develop into serious problems with self-control and respect for authority.
— Paraphrased from CG 82.7

Obedience learned in the home has a deeper spiritual purpose. Children are not merely being trained to respond appropriately to parental authority; they are being prepared to recognize and obey the authority of God. Learning obedience in this life is therefore closely connected with the development of a character fitted for God’s kingdom.
— Paraphrased from CG 84.2

Children should also understand that their abilities and gifts are entrusted to them for God’s honor. Through patient, gentle, and persistent training, parents can help obedience become an established habit rather than a response given only under pressure. Such early training can prevent many later conflicts between personal will and rightful authority and can help children develop a healthier attitude toward parents, teachers, and ultimately toward God’s authority.
— Paraphrased from CG 85.1

For a more complete understanding of the principles of Christian parenting, readers are encouraged to read the entire book Child Guidance by Ellen G. White. You may return to the Faith Foundations page, where the book can be downloaded from the Ellen G. White Estate.