The word authority often leaves a bad taste in people’s mouths because authority implies submission and submission is frowned upon as servile. These thoughts have been translated into modern day parenting advice discouraging parental authority. Today I’m sharing truth about the parent’s biblical authority to raise up their children in the knowledge of the Lord and the blessings and freedoms it gives them and share a few practical house rule tips.
The Issue with Authority
Authority
Authority is biblical
There are different spheres of authority
All authorities are to rule according to the Word of God
God is the ultimate authority - He is Creator and rule of all
Laws and Statues
Designed to honor God
Love others
Give us peace, freedom and harmony
Where there is lawlessness there is no love
Obedience
Not about behavior, but about the heart
Obedience to God’s law is the better way
Parents
Parental authority is a biblical role to raise up God-fearing God-oriented children
Parents are not tyrants
Parents do not making up the rules, but look to the Lord and His commands in the Holy Scriptures and teaching them to our children
We don’t teach our children obey so we can do our own things or make our lives easy, but to train their hearts to be oriented toward the Lord
We need to teach the commands of God, what is right and wrong
We get to teach the Gospel when the law is broken
Make rules in your house that reflect God’s laws and are clear and taught consistently
Learn to ask heart-probing questions to reach to the heart