Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put-on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Col 3:12–25)
When my wife and I decided to homeschool our kids, we were met with opposition from other Christians who thought we should enroll them in public schools. One argument we often heard was that our children could be a witness for Jesus in public schools. Ironically, these same Christians who didn't evangelize in their workplaces expected our kids to evangelize in school. However, the Bible doesn't explicitly say that children must be evangelists. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of honouring and obeying parents, which Paul talks about in his letter to the Colossians.
Honouring and obeying parents is a foundational principle of family structure emphasized throughout the Bible. In both the Old and New Testaments, we find commands and promises that highlight the importance of this principle.
In the Old Testament, the fifth commandment given to Moses on Mount Sinai states that we should honour our father and mother and that doing so will lead to long life in the land that the Lord has given us. The book of Deuteronomy reinforces this commandment and adds the promise that honouring our parents will lead to a life that is well with us.
In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon emphasizes the importance of honouring and obeying his parents by urging his son to listen to his father's instruction and not to forsake his mother's law. He even compares honouring parents to a graceful ornament on the head and chains around the neck, highlighting the value and significance of this principle.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes this commandment and emphasizes that children should obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right. He reiterates that honouring parents is the first commandment with a promise: it may be well with us, and we may live long on the earth. Paul also reminds the Colossian believers of the importance of honouring parents, stating that it is pleasing to the Lord.
It is essential to note that Paul wrote these words to the saints of God, whom God has called out for a specific purpose. In the kingdom of God, there is an order of roles for the husband, wife, children, and bond servants, and honouring and obeying parents is a requirement for children. This principle demonstrates the respect and honour children should show towards their parents as commanded by the Bible.
While there may be various reasons for enrolling children in public schools or homeschooling, the Bible's primary expectation is obedience to parents. The Bible teaches that obedience to parents and honouring them leads to a long and prosperous life. Therefore, as parents, we must teach our children to honour and obey us as it is an essential principle that leads to a blessed life.
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