Respecting
Authority
In a Disrespectful
World
By Vernita Simmons
T
he best way to raise
such children is by
being respectful parents. And in all things
show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity
in doctrine [having the strictest
regard for integrity and truth],
dignified, 8 sound and beyond
reproach in instruction, so that
the opponent [of the faith] will
be shamed, having nothing bad
to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8).
As I’ve stated in previous articles, children are more likely to
copy the behavior and attitudes
they observe in their parents.
They are living in a dispensation of time when watered down
compromise is the norm. Who
better to lead the way to lifting
a standard above the norm than
their parents? It is not enough
for us to demand respect from
them. We must show them that
respect is earned. And regardless of what society does, as for
me and my house we will serve
the Lord wholeheartedly. And if it
is evil in your eyes to serve the
LORD, choose this day whom
Raising children is both a joy and a challenge. The greatest
gift a parent can give their children is a sense of love and
value. We must strive to keep them safe from harm and teach
them through our example, the importance of being respectful
to their parents and all in authority. Surely, there are tremendous benefits for such actions. And there are grave repercussions for a lack of such respect.
you will serve, whether the gods
your fathers served in the region
beyond the River, or the gods
of the Amorites in whose land
you dwell. But as for me and my
house, we will serve the LORD.”
(Joshua 24:15 ESV). Thus, we
will give them the respect due to
them regardless if they deserve
it or not.
Unfortunately, this culture is not
the perfect model for instructing
children on the all-importance of
respecting authority. We have to
teach children how to function in
a world deprived of core Godly
values and morals. Therefore,
here are some ways in which we
can ensure our children follow
through and respect authority in
and outside the home.
1). Home is the ground level
This is where respect for authority begins. It is crucial that children understand how pertinent it
is to respect mom and dad. Each
parent has their own style of training their children. Children, obey
your parents in the Lord [that is,
accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives],
for this is right [for obedience
teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. 2 HONOR [esteem, value
as precious] YOUR FATHER
AND YOUR MOTHER [and be
respectful to them]—this is the
first commandment with a promise— 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE
WEL L WITH YOU, AND THAT
YOU MAY HAVE A LONG LIFE
ON THE EARTH. (Ephesians
6:1-3 AMP). Additionally, each
parent has rules which are
acceptable or not in their home.