5 Signs of a Functional Family: Children who Obey and Honor

10/8/2019

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ this is the first commandment with a promise” (Ephesians 6:1-2).

This is the final post in our 5 Signs of a Functional Family series. We've looked at An Attitude of Service, Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife, Husbands Who are Loving Leaders and Parents Who Both Teach and Train Their Children. All of these are signs of functional families. While the first four signs are primarily directed to parents and must be parent lead, the fifth and final sign is one which children bear the responsibility.

Children who obey and honor their parents are children who are contributing to making their family a functional family. Just as parents have a two-fold responsibility to teach and train children, likewise children have a responsibility to both obey and honor their parents.

Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week!

If you're new to link-ups, checkout our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation.

Post Continued

Obey and Honor

Webster’s dictionary defines these two words in the following way:

To obey is to listen attentively; to heed or conform to a command or authority.
To honor is to fix a valuation upon; to revere; honor, value.

Notice obedience involves listening to AND applying, heeding, the instruction or command given by the parent(s). It is sometimes necessary for parents to ask a child to repeat back to them the request that has just been made to make sure that there has been clear understanding and then application can take place.

It may not be the wisest course of action or practice to make a habit of giving commands to a child while watching television or engaged in some other activity. A child is more likely to interpret the command as an option rather than an obligation if the one giving the command is not willing to give it the appropriate attention. Eye contact is crucial when instructing a young child and will set a precedent that will be carried through the years. Not only is a child expected to be obedient, but every child should be taught to honor parents, grandparents and others. If a child learns to show honor to others at home, he or she will be more likely to demonstrate the appropriate honor to others outside of the home as well.

Children are a wonderful blessing and an integral part of any home and family. It is through obedience and honor that they can make a significant contribution to the development of your family becoming a functional family.

Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other.

This 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts:

Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.

5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:

Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christian should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word.

At the end of Gather, you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.

Join the movement today and download Gather for free today!

Five Signs of a Functional Family is an older book, however, the principles for strong, functional families, that Chapman uses from God's Word have not changed and because of that I find this book still very relevant today. Plus, you can pick up a hardback copy on Amazon for less than $3.00!

"Strong, functional families do exist today. But if you want to establish healthy patterns in your own family, you'll need to learn how to recognize and apply the qualities they share. Gary Chapman introduces them in Five Signs of a Functional Family." —goodreads

What do you do in your home to be sure you children obey and honor those in authority?

9 Comments

April link

10/8/2019 07:08:02 pm

Children showing honor in respecting others is definitely so very important. When I see a child that is being so very disrespectful even at such a young age, it breaks my heart for the home.

Patsy Burnette link

10/10/2019 08:32:53 am

Yes, April, you are right! I have such a difficult time not stepping in when I see that kind of situation. I don't do it, but I sure want to. I think some parents just don't realize that without proper discipline in the home they are really setting their child up for failure when it comes to submitting to authority as an adult. We all have authority in our lives, even the boss, and learning that as a child is so much easier than learning it as an adult!

Maree Dee link

10/9/2019 10:26:00 am

My children are all grown up. One key ingredient I found to be helpful is to alway model respect and honor. Yes, the parent is still in charge but we need to show honor and respect to our children and others. They are always watching, even into adulthood.

10/10/2019 08:43:53 am

Maree, respect and honor are so important, and so lost in today's society! These character traits modeled by parents in the home (to everyone—no matter the race or financial bracket) is so important to rearing well-balanced children.

Lauren Sparks link

10/9/2019 02:13:35 pm

This hurts my heart a little since I have an emotional and head strong teen right now, but of course you are right. laurensparks.net

10/10/2019 08:46:10 am

Lauren, I'm praying for your teen. It's tough. I know. Stay strong friend. Be consistent, and don't give up! :)

nylse link

10/10/2019 10:01:07 pm

Lauren, I understand. Christians can have headstrong teens or deal with lots of other things that we don't necessarily think good christian families deal with. I wish we would get rid of that way of thinking. I also know that God provides wisdom and grace as we deal with difficulties; children are not exempt. {hugs}

10/11/2019 09:13:39 am

Lauren, Nylse, I had a headstrong teen. Been there. Done that. My sweet mama says it was payback! LOL Sadly, she's probably right. All I can say is you be stronger! Never give up on them. Love them a lot! Pray for them A LOT! Don't give in. Be consistent.

Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy link

10/13/2019 10:35:37 pm

Great points. Thanks for linking up with us at the GATHERING OF FRIENDS LINK PARTY 8, pinning!

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.