Children's Duties


Introduction

Children are called by God to honour and obey their parents. This commandment carries a promise: “that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3). Obedience to parents is not merely a family rule but part of God’s order for society and the church.

Richard Baxter gives careful direction to children in his Christian Directory. He exhorts them to honour their parents’ authority, love them, and imitate their virtues, while reminding them that obedience is “in all things lawful.” Children must obey God above men if ever a parent’s command is sinful. Baxter highlights that dutiful children bring joy to their parents and glory to God.


Scripture Focus

  • “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1–3, KJV)


List of Relevant Scriptures

  • Exodus 20:12 – Honour thy father and mother.
  • Proverbs 1:8–9 – Hear the instruction of thy father, forsake not the law of thy mother.
  • Proverbs 6:20–22 – Keep thy father’s commandment, bind it continually upon thine heart.
  • Luke 2:51 – Jesus was subject to His earthly parents.
  • Colossians 3:20 – Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
  • Hebrews 12:9 – We gave reverence to the fathers of our flesh; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits?


Overview of the Biblical Teaching on This Issue

The fifth commandment establishes the duty of children to honour their parents. This honour is shown in obedience, respect, gratitude, and care. Children who walk in obedience reflect God’s order and bring joy to their families.

The Bible also sets limits: obedience must be “in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1). If parents command sin, children must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). Yet even when disagreeing, children are called to maintain respect and humility.

Ultimately, obedience to parents trains the heart to obey God, who is the supreme Father. The pattern of family order points to the greater family of God, where Christ is the Head and His people are His children.


Pastoral Guidance

Drawing from Baxter’s counsel:

  • Honour your parents’ place: “Remember that your parents stand in God’s stead, and are appointed by Him to govern you for your good.”¹
  • Obey in all lawful things: Obedience is to be cheerful, prompt, and sincere. Resistance breeds disorder and dishonours God.
  • Maintain reverence: Baxter warns against mocking, scorning, or speaking rudely to parents — all of which God condemns.
  • Show gratitude: Children owe love and thankfulness to those who gave them life and care. Ingratitude is among the vilest of sins.
  • Imitate their virtues: Godly children are to follow their parents’ faith, humility, and diligence, making their house a little church.
  • Pray for your parents: Baxter exhorts children to uphold parents in prayer, especially for their salvation and perseverance.
  • Remember your higher duty to God: If parents command what is against God’s Word, children must respectfully decline and submit first to the Lord.


Further Reading

  • Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part II, Ch. IX (“Directions to Children”).
  • William Gouge, Of Domestical Duties (sections on children).
  • John Angell James, The Christian Father’s Present to His Children.
  • J.C. Ryle, The Duties of Parents (helpful for both parents and children).
  • Modern: Tedd & Margy Tripp, Instructing a Child’s Heart.


Footnote

  1. Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part II, Ch. IX.