The parent/child relationship is very special (cf. Psalm 127:3-5). This relationship is so special that God used it to describe His relationship to the Church (Ephesians 5, 6). However, it seems no matter where we look in modern society, we see antagonism, division and rebellion against the home and the parent/child relationship. We need to improve our families, and in doing so, we will improve the church. What is the answer? We must submit to the Lordship of Christ. We must “gather together in one all things in Christ”(Ephesians 1:10). The parent/child relationship must be studied with four words in mind (cf. Ephesians 6:1-3; Philippians 2:22; Ephesians 6:4): obey, honor, serve and nurture.
First, Paul set forth what is called a natural law. Ephesians 6:1 reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Children should obey their parents for it is the “right” thing to do! The Greek word translated “obey” comes from one word, meaning, “under” and another word meaning, “to listen.” Thus, it literally means, “to listen under.” However, a parent must be worthy of obedience and listening (i.e., “in the Lord”). Children are to obey their parents in those things that are consistent with Christ and His Word.
Second, Paul made use of a divine law. Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Paul refers to the 5th Commandment in Exodus 20:12. Commandment #5 was the first in the list that had a promise attached, stressing the idea that God blesses obedient children with a much better life than disobedient children. To honor parents involves loving, regarding them highly and showing respect. What it means to honor our fathers and mothers may change as we grow into adulthood, but the principle always endures. The adult child does not owe the parent obedience, but he does owe the parent honor!
Third, Paul set forth a practical law. Philippians 2:22 records, “But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.” Paul identified Timothy as a son serving with his father to spread the Gospel message to the lost. The Greeks had five words for love. One of the words was storge – love that exists between parents and children. This kind of love is the binding agent by which families stick and stay together no matter how tough times become.
Fourth, Paul set forth a reasonable law. Ephesians 6:4 commands, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Paul declared that the father has several responsibilities concerning his children. For example, fathers must not provoke their children to wrath (Colossians 3:21); fathers must discipline their children (Hebrews 12:5-6; Proverbs 13:24), and fathers must demonstrate love when disciplining children, lest they do it anger and take the chance of injuring the body or spirit of the child.
Improving our homes requires a plan. When improving our individual spiritual lives, we turn to God because He has a home improvement plan. Thank God for passages like Ephesians 6:1-4 and Philippians 2:22.
