For those new to this series: Each blog explores the household commands of Colossians 3:18 to 4:1 through four heavenly views: beginning in God, fulfilled in Christ, embodied in the Church, and expressed in the home. This is not about tradition but transformation. Not about roles but reflection. Each post traces how Christ fills and redeems the ordinary with the glory of His presence.
Obedience from Heaven to Home
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)
“I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 5:30)
The world often views obedience as restrictive or outdated. Children especially feel this tension: Why obey? Who decides what is right? But Scripture does not begin with human rules. It begins with God’s relationship with us from heaven down.
In Christ, obedience is not about losing freedom but finding joy. It is walking in the rhythm of the Son who delights in His Father. Let us explore how biblical obedience moves from the eternal Son to the everyday home.
Obedience in the Son
The Nature of the Son is Obedience
Before obedience is a human duty, it is a divine delight.
- “I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)
- “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.” (Philippians 2:8)
In eternity, the Son obeyed the Father with joy. Even as a child, Jesus submitted to His earthly parents (Luke 2:51). To obey is not weakness. It is to reflect Christ Himself.
Core Belief: Obedience is the very nature of Jesus, the Son of God.
Why this matters: Children are not asked to do something beneath them but to reflect the heart of Christ.
Obedience in the Covenant
The Joy of God’s Design
From Eden to Canaan, obedience has always been about life and blessing.
- “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.” (Deuteronomy 11:26)
- “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12)
Obedience was central to God’s covenant. It was never about control but about joy and flourishing. Children who honor their parents step into God’s covenant blessing.
Core Belief: Obedience leads to covenant blessing and joy.
Why this matters: Obedience is not restriction but protection, guiding children toward wisdom and legacy.
Obedience in the Church
The Life of Faith and the Spirit
Obedience does not fade in the Church. It grows deeper through faith and the Spirit.
- “The obedience of faith.” (Romans 1:5)
- “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me.” (John 14:21)
Obedience in the Church is not forced from outside but formed from within. The Spirit renews the heart, and love for Christ fuels obedience. This is discipleship, not just behavior management.
Core Belief: Obedience is the Church’s yes to Christ.
Why this matters: Children need to see obedience as discipleship, a way of saying yes to Jesus.
Obedience in the Home
The Delight of the Lord
Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)
This shows children are not invisible to God. Their obedience pleases Him. When children obey in faith, they step into something holy and make the Lord smile.
- “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1–3)
- “When you walk, [your mother’s teaching] will lead you… when you sleep, it will watch over you.” (Proverbs 6:22)
Core Belief: Obedience in the home echoes the joy of Christ.
Why this matters: Obedience becomes a daily rhythm of discipleship that blesses family life.
A Final Word to Sons and Daughters
Your obedience matters—not only to your parents but to your heavenly Father. He sees your choices, your heart, and your effort. Jesus Himself walked this road, obeying both His Father and His earthly parents.
Obedience is not about control but about being formed into Christlikeness. God is shaping you into someone radiant with His wisdom and joy.
Walk in obedience, not to be loved, but because you are already loved. And when you stumble, Christ is there to help you begin again.
Go Deeper
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