Children, You’ve Got Responsibilities Too

by Bryan Gibson

December 19, 2008

Your parents have an awesome responsibility—to bring you up “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). But it’s not left up to them entirely. How you turn out also depends on how well you meet your responsibilities. This article will remind you of some of those responsibilities. Please don’t take them lightly, because they are given to you by the Almighty God.

You must do what is pure and right, for several reasons. You should do so, first and foremost, to please God, and to honor the One who died for you (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Secondly, by doing what is pure and right, you will bring immeasurable joy to your parents (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 23:24-25; 29:3). Thirdly, this will ensure that you make the right kind of “name” for yourself—“even a child is known by his deeds” (Proverbs 20:11). Every day, you are building a name for yourself—among your teachers, your friends, your coaches, etc. You may end up carrying this “name” with you the rest of your life, so be careful.

In order to know what is pure and right, you must study. You must diligently seek out God’s wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5), something you will never ever regret, because of the many benefits it brings. Your parents have a responsibility to teach you, but you also have a responsibility to learn for yourself. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18) applies to you too.

You must listen to and obey your parents’ instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; 13:1; 23:22; 19:27; 30:17; Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20), unless they tell you to do something in conflict with God’s will (Acts 5:29). Obey, and do so with the right attitude (1 Timothy 3:4), or else it’s not considered obedience at all. Don’t scoff at them (Proverbs 13:1), or “back-talk” them (Proverbs 30:17). No one should have to remind you how God feels about that.

You must bless your parents, or give thanks to them (Proverbs 31:28; 30:11). This is just one of the many ways you can honor them (Ephesians 6:2). Go ahead. Start counting the things they do and have done for you. Express your gratitude to them—yes, with your words, but also with your actions. This attitude of thanksgiving will most likely carry over into your relationship with God.

You must repay your parents (1 Timothy 5:4). Think about the money they have spent and will spend on you. The time may come when you have to assume their financial burden. Don’t neglect that responsibility, because according to God, one who does not provide for his own “is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

You must learn to work and assume responsibility (Proverbs 10:5; 6:6-11). You’ll be glad you did when you have our own family one day. Lazy folks are a huge drain on society; surely you don’t want to join their number. Learn the value of work now, and you will be a blessing to the kingdom of God, because hopefully this same work ethic will show up in your labors for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

You must pray—all the time (1 Thessalonians 5:17), because you will need help fulfilling these responsibilities. Do all you’re supposed to do, but do it “with the ability which God supplies” (1 Peter 4:11). Paul said that he “labored more abundantly than they all,” but then added this important note: “yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).