9 August | Youth
«Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.» Ephesians 6:1
The word obey means “to listen to.” I am convinced that we learn to hear God's voice primarily through the voices of our parents. In general, young people who enter adulthood with confidence have been educated by their parents on how to deal with life's issues. If you are blessed with the presence of a father and mother around, you can definitely listen to their advice, receive their support and have their guidance. Happy and blessed children are those who listen and obey their parents.
Children have an obligation to honor their parents so that God is glorified. The fifth commandment is a break against the tendency to neglect parents. And this accompanies us throughout our lives. In childhood, we are selfish; in adolescence, we think that parents are hopelessly ignorant; in our youth, we are almost consumed by our dreams and life projects; in adulthood, we think about our career and establishing a family; in middle age, elderly parents often need special care.
However, anyone who has not learned to respect the authority of their parents will not have respect for God. The child who has a sensitive ear will surely have an obedient heart. “Obedience […] is the true sign of discipleship” (Steps to Christ, p. 60). We are disciples of our parents. “Disciple” and “discipline” derive from the same root. Every disciple is well disciplined. Parents' fingerprints are all over their children's lives and can be seen in their character.
I am the blessed father of two young children. I can assure you that it is wonderful to know that my children listen to me. Every child needs to be open to parental advice and rebuke. The child who pays greater attention to his parents' advice will have a greater chance of hearing God's voice. If a godly mother says: “Son, I don't like these friendships!”, open your ears and mind. You may be hearing God’s voice.
Until you cut the umbilical cord and start living on your own, you owe obedience to your parents. If there is something wrong between you, talk to them. The initiative for dialogue should come from parents, but some are unable to do this. So, seek closeness, intimacy and love with them. Parents and children must be allies in life. Tell God that you will seek to be an obedient and God-fearing child. You will be very blessed! Those who were raised under the umbrella of loving and wise parents were blessed for eternity (Prov. 13:22).