Recently I heard a discussion between some adults who were pretty upset that their church’s teenagers were disrespectful and sometimes even resistant to authority. They went on and on about the influences of MTV and how culture is encouraging them to be anti-authority. Their solution was to teach Ephesians 6:1-2 again:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (NIV)

Beating them up with Ephesians 6 is not the solution! Kids will gladly follow those who they know genuinely love them and respect them. Respect isn’t something you demand, respect is something you earn and usually it starts by taking the initiative to set the example.

Posted on May 30, 2007