Learning about Obedience…for kids and grown-ups!
As we pray for and ponder obedience this month, we want to share two ministries that have already written some AMAZING things on the topic of obedience both for kids and for moms. These articles and podcasts on obedience are so well-done and full of wisdom, we just know you will be blessed by reading them.
Remember our theme for the month is praying that our kids would be obedient and our verse is
“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.’” John 14:23
And if you haven’t downloaded our 12-month prayer guide download it here:
CONNECTED FAMILIES
The first ministry is Connected Families. We absolutely adore this organization and have both followed them and benefited from their wisdom over the years. They often speak about the idea of obedience and immediate obedience from our kids. Sometimes I feel like I spend my entire day asking my kids to do things or speaking to them only to be answered by silence. I often have to remind them that I need them to answer me with words so that I at least know that they heard me. The silence just irritates me so much, it’s like they think that if they don’t respond they won’t have to do what I asked. Or sometimes they do what I say, but just don’t acknowledge me and that feels rude! That’s when I get on them and can loose my cool. But Connected Families offers some insight on this. Check out Ephesians 6:1-4:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
We really like pointing out verses 1-3, “Children obey your parents.” But what about verse 4? “Do not exasperate your children.” Jim Jackson writes his response to this beautifully in these two articles. I HIGHLY recommend that you read them!
RISEN MOTHERHOOD
Risen Motherhood has a podcast mini-series on obedience and it’s really good! Those Connected Families articles focus on kids, but this series is focused on moms. They start by acknowledging that we are all obedient to something—we can be obedient to the world or be can be obedient to God. Obedience to God showcases Christ’s love to the world. AMEN!
The series wrestles with so many of the questions moms have: What do I obey? How do I obey? What do I do if I keep stumbling with this?
Here is the biggest nugget that I took away: God wants us to obey him with our hearts and understanding this obedience to God can give us freedom from the struggles and pressures of parenthood. True obedience to God is not limiting, it’s freeing! Let’s lean into that so we can guide our kids to do the same!
They also have a free download that goes with the series. It is a Bible Study written by Courtney Reissig (@courtneyreissig) on John chapters 13-17. It’s a five day study that also includes phone wall papers, a printable family activity kit, and tips for discussing with your kids
