Jesus first, then parents.

We are talking about if a parent should be the voice of God for their kids.

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Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another in the fear of Christ.”

Should parents be the voice of God for their kids? In the fear of Jesus means Jesus first! We submit to Jesus first, and then our parents second. Here is an option that is problematic, “I’ll always let dad or mom pray and tell me what Jesus wants for me.” Blindly entrusting everything to parents is a problem, because parents make mistakes. Here is the better option, “I’ll pray. Dad or mom, you pray too. Together we will seek the truth from Jesus.” A child should submit to Jesus first just like the parents should. Finally, kids should not obey a parent if the parent is asking them to disobey Jesus.

Story: My dad loved Jesus. In middle school I trusted my dad. I didn’t ask Jesus directly what to do. I only asked my dad to tell me what Jesus wanted for me. It was Dad first, then Jesus. Then in high school I realized it should be Jesus first, then dad. He actually agreed with me.

Should you obey your parents till they die? When do you venture out on your own? Many think you stop submitting to parents only after you get married.

Story: Her dad said submit or be cut off. A friend of mine from another culture struggled to obey her father. Her father demanded the right to decide her future. He wanted to decide her husband, career, education, and everything! Even after approving her choice for a major in college, her dad wanted her to go work for some friends who had a business in another country. Because she didn’t do everything he wanted, her father rejected her and cut her off financially.

Story: Dad lost all his money and our trust fund. Dad was having a hard time helping my older brothers go to college, so I did one year at community college. I was the 3rd son and dad wanted me to wait my turn. I said to him, “Dad, I don’t need any of your money, I just need to go to California to obey Jesus. Jesus told me to go to Azusa Pacific University in California. Help my brothers first, but I’m going to go to California.” I worked three jobs that summer. My dad was actually not sure if I could do it without him, but when the Lord is sending you it works out.

Prayer coaching: “Jesus help my parents walk in the truth and never ask me to do something that disobeys You. Help me to follow you first at all costs. Jesus help my parents release me into adulthood at the time You have chosen. Help me honor them even when I venture out on my own for the first time. Help me to follow you first at all costs.”