Because it is right

If a child can get away with disobedience they will, they will question authority until they are made to realize they, either, obey or face the consequences. I have been dealing with that a lot in my home lately. One particular child has problems with questioning my authority in such a way that I get very frustrated. I will admit it makes me angry because I have told her time and time again that she is to obey, no matter what. A couple evenings ago she started questioning and kept asking why she had to obey me, the reasoning behind what I wanted her to do. This child is never happy with the short answer, she wants a long detailed explanation before she decides if she agrees or not. As we were talking I thought of what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. There it is the short answer, because it is right. Not because you have to obey for a specific reason, sometimes there just is no other reason than because I just want you to do the way I told you. I have a firm belief that children need to obey because they are told to obey. I explained to her this verse that says it so simply, and how Jesus wants us to do what is right. I want her to understand that as she grows up she may be expected to do things and if she wants a big long reason she might lose the joy of just doing it because it is right.

I am, in no way a perfect parent, but as we go through our days God is faithful to show me how I can teach my children what it is he wants from us. Just plain and simple obedience.