Obedience is a trait that we as parents should instill in our children at a very early age. The lessons usually begin for their protection and safety: “Don’t touch the hot stove,” or “Don’t go into the street.” As children grow, obedience to our word should become second nature, and they should begin to obey out of love and trust for us.
The word “obey” comes from the Greek word hupakauo, which means “to hear as a subordinate, listen attentively, obey as a subject, answer and respond, and submit without reservation.” The word contains the ideas of hearing, responding, and obeying.
Paul concludes this verse by saying, “for this is right.” The Greek word for “right” is dikaious, which implies “conforming to the laws of God and man.” By teaching our children to obey our words, we are teaching them to obey God and His Word. And it is that obedience that matters for eternity.
