Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings].

In continuing the design of God’s order in marriage and families and the resulting roles we have, Paul discusses the role of children in the home. Obedience is called for.

Now imagine with me if God came down and raised you as a child, would you listen to him? Of course you would! I would too. We would respect him and recognize his immense power and authority.

And what Paul is saying here to children is that they should obey their parents as if God was giving them a command. This is a very impressive statement. He further says that God is in fact present in the lives of children and he is paying attention to whether or not they obey their parents. Notice how it says that children’s obedience to their parents is “well-pleasing to the Lord”, also interpreted as “well-pleasing in the presence of the Lord.”

There is a benefit or reward to this obedience: it will go well with them and they will receive the blessings of those who God is pleased with.

Finally, there is also implied responsibility for parents here: if we are God’s representatives, then we must act like and reflect God and his righteousness in dealing with our children.

Lord, thank you for this command which guides me to obedience in honoring and obeying my parents. It also calls me to be a father that reflects God and his goodness to my children. Fill me with a pure heart to guide my children in the truth and love as I lead them.