Obedience and Understanding

Obedience & Understanding
"Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart." Psalm 119:34

It is very important that parents teach their children to honor and obey authorities.

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates"(Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake" (Romans 13:1-5).

However, it is also very important to give their children understanding to the degree that the individual child can receive it.

For Dad to demand obedience by saying, "Sally, you do this just because I told you!" does not give Sally understanding. In such a case, Sally will most likely look for a way to get out of obeying. Furthermore, Dad will most likely become angry at Sally when she disobeys. Why? Because Dad's authority and pride is now at stake. Even if Sally obeys, it will probably be a half-hearted obedience. What people don't understand, they usually resist.

David also said, " I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies" (Psalms 119:125).
Solomon declared, "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels" (Proverbs 1:5).
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7).
"It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom" (Proverbs 10:23).
"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" (Proverbs 16:16).

Therefore, Mom should instruct Johnny by saying, "Johnny, God has established all authority, and God has placed me here for your protection, provision, and correction. Johnny, if I do not discipline you, God will discipline me for my own disobedience. Furthermore, God will, in another way, still discipline you, Johnny, and God's discipline may be even stricter than mine." Eli, the priest, because of his lack of discipline with his two sons, lost them, the Ark, and his own life. With this understanding, Johnny will be more likely to obey, and obey with his whole heart.