January 27 2026

Tuesday January 27

The Home

Obedience That Brings Blessing

Ephesians 6:1-3

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we continue in Ephesians 6:1-3, as the Apostle Paul continues his teaching on harmony in the Christian home. In these verses, Paul turns his attention to the children. Wherever we look in society today, we see division and rebellion. Husbands and wives separate. Children resist authority. Employers and employees struggle against one another. We’ve tried education, legislation, and social reform, yet the problem remains. Paul’s solution is far deeper: regeneration—a new heart through Christ and a new submission to His lordship.

God’s great purpose, as Paul said earlier in Ephesians, is to gather all things together in Christ. That harmony begins in the home, and it begins when believers submit themselves to the Lord and to one another. Paul now addresses children directly, which tells us something important. Children were present when this letter was read in the church. Christian families worshiped together, and parents taught God’s Word at home. Paul gives children four reasons why they should obey their parents.

First, they are Christians. Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord.” Becoming a Christian does not remove our everyday responsibilities—it deepens them. Faith in Christ should make a child more loving, respectful, and obedient in the home, not less. This fits the theme of the entire section: “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” The wife submits to her husband as unto Christ. The husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church. And children obey their parents in the Lord. When each family member lives under Christ’s lordship, harmony becomes possible.

Second, obedience is right. Paul simply says, “for this is right.” God has built order into creation. Parents brought children into the world. Parents have greater experience, wisdom, and responsibility. Even in nature, young animals are taught to follow and obey. Modern culture often reverses this order. The unspoken rule today seems to be, “Parents, obey your children so everyone stays happy.” But that is not God’s design. When God’s order is ignored, confusion and conflict follow.

Third, obedience is commanded. Paul quotes the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and mother.” This commandment did not disappear in the New Testament. While Christians are no longer under the Law as a system of salvation, the righteousness of God’s Law still reveals His holy standards. To honor parents means far more than simple obedience. It means respect, gratitude, care, and a desire to bring honor to them by how we live. Even when parents are imperfect—or even unbelieving—children are still called to honor them.

Honoring parents also protects our Christian testimony. How we treat our parents speaks loudly to the watching world. Respect builds bridges; disrespect destroys them.

Fourth, obedience brings blessing. Paul reminds us that this is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” This is not a guarantee that every obedient child will live a long life, but it is a principle. Obedience keeps children from much danger, heartache, and destructive sin. But life is measured not only by length—it is measured by quality. God enriches the life of the obedient child. Sin always robs us; obedience always blesses us.

Learning obedience early prepares a child for a lifetime of submission to God. Disobedience to parents is ultimately rebellion against God. Scripture tells us that one of the marks of a society that rejects God is disobedient children. The breakdown of the home always follows the rejection of God’s Word. By nature, children are selfish—just like adults. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, children can learn obedience, honor their parents, and glorify God.

May God help our homes reflect His design, His order, and His peace—so that obedience becomes a pathway to blessing, not a burden.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.