Ride Upon the High Places

O*B*E*D*I*E*N*C*E

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:2

‘Children of disobedience’ sounds like a visit to Wal-Mart or the doctor‘s waiting room. It seems in every store, each parking lot, and most public places, children are whining, crying, running away, screaming, or begging for attention.
Most of these issues are obedience issues. Somewhere along the line an authority is not being obeyed. It could be God, a Pastor, a parent, or a teacher. In Ephesians chapter two; I believe God put some principles that can be followed to help our children obey.
1. vs. 4 But God…. Obedience starts with God. If a child knows who his authority is, he will grasp the idea of obedience. Children are trained to obey so that they will obey God. Ultimately it is God who should be pleased with a child’s behavior. Mommy; pray, read your Bible, and seek His help.
2. Vs. 6 ….hath raised us up together…. Together is a wonderful family word. Parents need to decide on a game plan together. The family needs to obey authority together. Mom needs to obey dad. Dad needs to obey the preacher, policeman, and boss. The entire family should be a picture of immediate, joyful, obedience.
3. Vs. 6 ..sit together in heavenly places… The closest place to heaven is your church. Bring your child to every service. Your plan for obedience will be reinforced at church. Train them to sit still, pay attention, and follow the preacher. Place them in the nursery. Let them attend Sunday School alone. All these tasks teach obedience. Have your child sit next to you until they are married.
4. Vs. 7 ..That..he might shew… You need to show, or train your child to obey. Let them know exactly what you want. Practice situations with them and make it fun. While driving, train your children how to behave at your destination. They should know how to behave in stores, restaurants, church, school, and when company is over. Ask questions and drilled over and over and over. Train how to come when called, and to smile and say, “Yes Sir”. Train in one area at a time. If children does not obey joyfully and immediately, it is not obedience.
5. Vs. 7 …in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.. Training should be done with kindness and patience. Yelling is not training. Spanking is not training. Children learn by love and example. Kindly explain 1,000,000 times how to do a task with immediate, joyful, obedience.
6. Vs. 8 ..it is the gift of God… Reward immediate, joyful, obedience with the gift of praise. It is the best gift you can give, and it does not cost anything. When your child is especially well behaved, allow him to call dad at work, or grandma to share the good news.
7. Vs. 10 ..good works… Remember that obedience takes work. Train daily. Be consistent everyday. Have a game plan and stick to it. Pick your battles and work hard.
8. Vs. 14 …peace… This is what we all want in our homes, peace. The peace that comes from children who do their chores, don’t fight, enjoy each others company, and love the Lord. This is God’s plan for a happy home.

Sure this is a bunch of work. Sure it takes tons of time and a heap of energy, but what worth while doesn’t? Ride em cowgal!