Blessed be the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!Let us take a moment to reflect on one of the most important responsibilities given to us as parents — responsibilities that come directly from the Word of God. By God’s grace, we will revisit the sacred duty parents have toward their children, not just in providing for them physically, but in shaping their eternal destiny.
The Biblical Command to ChildrenThe Bible says:
“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”(Exodus 20:12)
This command is addressed to all children, regardless of whether their biological parents are still alive or present in their lives. In cases where a child is raised by guardians, relatives, foster parents, or even in an orphanage, those caretakers stand in the place of the child’s parents before God. Such guardians must be honored with the same respect and obedience as biological parents, because the promise of God’s blessing still applies.
Ephesians reinforces this truth:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: ‘so that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.’”(Ephesians 6:1–3)
Notice that Scripture promises two things — well-being (“it may be well with you”) and longevity (“you may live long on the earth”). These are not always the same. One may live long yet without peace, or have peace but a short life. God’s design is for both to be enjoyed together — and the key is obedience and honor toward parents.
A Parent’s Role in Shaping a Child’s DestinyA parent has enormous influence over the future of their child — for good or for harm. You may work hard to give your child the best education, nutritious food, good clothing, and even health insurance, but if you fail to train them in respect and obedience, they may grow up to have neither blessing nor long life.
Many parents are quick to celebrate a child’s high academic performance while ignoring a decline in their respect and obedience. But from God’s perspective, character comes before grades.
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (Proverbs 28:6)
If a child learns to honor and obey you, they are positioning themselves for God’s favor — even if health challenges or difficulties come, God’s Word guarantees they will live and experience His blessing.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Obedience and HonorTrain them to obey promptly and willingly, not grudgingly.
Teach them manners and proper conduct both toward you and others.
Test their obedience — send them on small errands, correct them when they fail, and reward them when they respond well.
The Bible affirms the importance of loving discipline:
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.” (Proverbs 23:13–14)
Children, by God’s design, are quick to forgive. When corrected in love, they do not hold grudges. However, a child left without correction will grow into an adult resistant to instruction, quick to claim “you’re violating my rights” or “you’re embarrassing me,” and hardened in rebellion.
Teaching the Word of God EarlyFrom a young age, children should be taught Scripture — even if they don’t yet fully understand it. Have them memorize verses, learn worship songs, and pray regularly. Teach them stories of Jesus and the heroes of faith.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Many parents fear that when children reach adolescence they will inevitably rebel. That is a lie from the enemy. More often, children stray because their parents have strayed — abandoning church attendance, replacing family worship with worldly entertainment, and neglecting spiritual example. If the parent remains steadfast, the child will remain anchored. God’s Word is not a lie.
The Turban of GraceOne of the greatest blessings a child can receive through honoring their parents is what Scripture calls the “turban of grace.”
“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a garland of grace on your head, and chains about your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8–9)
The “turban of grace” symbolizes divine favor resting upon a person’s life — opening doors for them to serve God, whether in ministry or in other spheres like Daniel in Babylon, who was promoted yet remained faithful (Daniel 6:3–4).
The Ultimate Foundation — A Godly ParentIf you as a parent are not saved, you cannot pass this grace on to your children. You must first come to Christ in repentance, be washed by His blood, and receive the Holy Spirit to guide your parenting.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Without a personal relationship with Christ, your efforts will lack the eternal foundation needed to anchor your children in righteousness.
Eternal PerspectiveRemember, Jesus is coming again.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Train your children not just for earthly success but for eternal life. When you place the turban of grace upon your child — by raising them in honor, obedience, and the fear of the Lord — you are setting them on a path where God’s favor will follow them all their days.
Maranatha! Shalom.
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