Parental and Guardian Responsibility

Scripture reads “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This tells us to raise our children the best way that we can. Often, children get their perspectives and views about the things of this world from their parents.

Typically, Children see the world that their parents have created for them and usually grow up to resemble at least a reflection of this. Personally, as I look at my life and the way I see things, today, I can see that much of what I believe and feel comes from my parents and grandparents. Although we are different people, we share a lot of the same beliefs and feelings.

Some of this comes from living in the same environments and sharing some of the same experiences. I was raised to treat all people with respect and dignity. Scripture reads “[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:10). Today, however, there is a popular mindset that only certain authority figures deserve attention and our respect. This mindset is one that leads to anarchy and chaos. Not to mention, it’s not Biblical.

Picking and choosing which leaders to listen to is much the same as picking and choosing which laws to obey. It does not work that way! “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” (Colossians 3:25). It is clear that God instructs us all to submit to the governing bodies that hold authority over us and we know that each person is subject to the rules and laws of the land. Rules and laws are more than guidelines that citizens follow.

Rules and laws are are not about controlling a population of people. Rather, to keep order and safety and to protect people wherever they may be. As everyone knows, we do not live in a perfect world. While all of these rules may not seem fair, they are just a small price to pay to live in a civilized society. Laws help keep society functioning and running much smoother. While it may seem unfair not to allow people to do whatever they want, there are a lot of things that people like and want to do that harm others.

These things often interfere with the flow and overall safety of society. The only way to effectively protect other people and to establish a better and peaceful society, rules and laws must be enforced. The Bible clearly speaks of parents as leaders by instructing that children “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7).

As parents, it’s and/or guardians, it’s important to point out that God gives the responsibility to encourage and build one another up: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). As important as parents are for the developmental process of children, they are just as vital in how children see and interact with the world which is why it should be a priority for all parents to ensure that children are not just cared for but that they are taught what it means to be responsible and accountable.