Ephesians 6:1 - Children,
Obey your parents

This command from Paul written to the church in Ephesus is part of a series of rules about hierarchical relationships. The sections starts in chapter 5 with the command to "submit to one another in the fear of the Lord".

Children are to obey their parents (in all things, Col 3:20). The word for obey is 'hupokouo', which means 'under hearing'. The under means that the recipient is under the speaker, indicating under authority. And the hearing means that the communication is heard. This word is almost always translated as 'obey'.

The little phrase 'in the Lord' is interesting. Most commentators agree that this refers to the obedience of the children, as in that they are supposed to, and able to, obey, since they have a relationship with the Lord. It does not mean that children should only obey Christian parents.

The last part of our verse indicates that obeying your parents is the right thing to do. Its also the smart thing to do, given that parents generally know more than their children, and given that God promises to bless children who obey their parents.

Once children become adults, this obedience is no longer required. Adults are responsible for their own decisions. But even as adults, it is wise to seek the input from your parents. They will always love you and they truly want what is in your best interest, and they are generally more objective than yourself. Of course, when you are truly convinced that God wants you to do something different then what your parents suggest, we must always obey God rather than man. But please make sure you are obeying God and not just following your own desires.

And this brings us to a final point. Just as children should obey their parents, we all should obey our Father in heaven. The same dynamic applies. He knows better then us what is good for us, and He will always love us and wants what is best for us. So obey Him, not only is it the right thing to do, He also promised to bless those who obey Him.