Inward Obedience For The Next Generation
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Ephesians 6 and Psalm 5: 9-12 (NIV)
(Susy Santoso, CIC Facilitator)
READ:
Ephesians 6 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The apostle Paul exhorts us to walk in the light, to live out our responsibilities as children and parents, servants and masters, and to walk in the way of the Lord, being filled with the Spirit of God. Paul’s command is not merely ‘to obey your parents’, but ‘to obey your parents in the Lord.’
In verse 4, Paul says, ‘Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ He then continues in verse 5, ‘Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.’ Ultimately, all obedience is rendered to Jesus Christ.
APPLY:
The more I read Ephesians 6, the more I realise the importance of teaching my children in a way that ultimately directs them to worship the Lord. This teaching should cultivate an inward submission and a willing heart toward Him. Too often, it is much easier to ‘give up’ and simply give in to what the children want. However, the words of Paul make me see that if I am successful in teaching my children the wisdom of obeying the Lord, this will instill a value that benefits the whole family for a lifetime.
DO:
I will:
- Trust in our Lord, despite the surrounding circumstances
- Take authority in the name of our Lord, in teaching my children (whether adult or young) the importance of inward obedience unto the Lord
- Pray & proclaim God’s sovereignty in my family and in my life journey as a parent to my children.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your love and Your Word, that continues to grant us hope and light in every corner of this world. Please help me to guide and be a living example to the next generation of the true meaning of inward obedience to Jesus Christ, my Rock and Redeemer. Amen.
