Why Obedience Matters to God

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're halfway through your cereal or already walking out the door, I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Today we're talking about something every kid hears almost every day. Listen, obey, follow directions. Sometimes it feels like a rule you have to follow, but what if I told you it's also a way to worship God? Yeah. Today's verse is from Ephesians chapter six, verse one. Children obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to a church in the city called Ephesus. He was writing to people of all ages, grownups, kids, leaders, and even new believers. In chapter six, Paul specifically talked to children. He wanted them to know that how they treat their parents matters to God. In the ancient world, kids weren't often given special instructions in letters like this, but Paul made it clear. God sees kids, values kids, and wants kids to know they're part of his big plan. So when Paul says, obey your parents in the Lord, he's saying, don't just follow the rules because you have to. Do it because you trust God and want to do what honors him. If Jesus were riding in the backseat with you right now, I think he'd say, when you obey your parents, you're not just making them happy. You are showing me that you trust me. He'd remind you that obedience isn't just about staying outta trouble. It's about building a heart that says, God, I trust you enough to do what's right even when it's hard. What does honoring God through obedience look like this year? First, doing your chores the first time your parent asks. Turning off your iPad or your Xbox or PlayStation when it is time, even when you don't feel like it. Speak respectfully even when you're frustrated, and I see this in my own kids, they get frustrated. They don't wanna turn it off. They want to keep playing, but they speak respectfully, which sets the whole rest of the day or the rest of the night off for success. Choose to follow the rules, even if you're at the community pool or even when you're sitting in your classroom, and even if your friends don't, you be the one to follow the rules. Every time you choose obedience, you're saying, God, I trust you and I wanna follow you with my actions, not just my words. And one of the ways you can love him back is by listening to the people he's placed in your life to help you grow. Obeying your parents isn't always easy. I know that. I used to have a really hard time listening to my mom. It was difficult at times. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, but it's one way to live like Jesus who obeyed his heavenly Father perfectly and also obeyed his earthly parents proudly. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's podcast, text the link to a fellow parent you know so they can enjoy listening with their kid too. Before you go answer this question together, what's one hard thing God might be asking you to obey this week and how can you ask him for help? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.