The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.  Proverbs 30:17 

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and in irons, Because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He bowed down their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled and fell down, and there was none to help. Psalm 107:10-12

Ouch! Recognizing a spirit of rebellion in your child can be heart wrenching, especially if it isn’t just an occasional thing, but a stronghold.  Children have to be taught to honor their parents and others as well. 

So who gets this task? You guessed it.  We do.

My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be graceful ornaments on your head, and chains about your neck.  Proverbs 1:8-9

Scripture after scripture, all through the Old Testament and the New, we see children being commanded to honor and obey their parents, the rewards of doing so, and the dire consequences of those who willfully choose another way.  Ephesians 6:1-3 tells of a promise made to those who obey and honor – a long life results. 

Disobedience may not only bring to them pain and much trial, but also a life cut short.  No parent wants this for their child. 

What do we do?  We model, teach, discipline, and pray.

Stormie Omartian says in her book, The Power of the Praying Parent, “when children do not honor their father or their mother, it is often the first sign that the idol’s in a child’s heart -a child of any age- are pride and selfishness.  That’s why children who are not taught to obey their parents become rebellious.  They say, “I want what I want, when I want it.”

“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord, “Who take counsel, but not of ME, and who devise plans, but not of MY SPIRIT, that they may add sin to sin.”

Isaiah 30:1  Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15:23

Our children have to learn that obedience brings them the security they long for and gives confidence, long life and peace. 

Teaching children obedience becomes easier when the way is paved by prayer. 

A sure way to combat a strong will that exalts itself above its parents and above God is through persistent prayer and time.  Ultimately it will remain up to your child to obey the promptings of Holy Spirit. 

The consequences of this are far greater than anything you can give. Rebellion has eternal consequences.  According to Ephesian 6:12 we don’t battle with flesh and blood and so it is true our battle isn’t against our children.  We must remember who we are and the authority given us and speak forth God’s Word over our children’s lives.

Write out a prayer and pray it over your children. The word will not return void.

Yet they were disobedient and rebelled against You and cast Your law behind their back and killed Your prophets who accused and warned them to turn to You again; and they committed great and contemptible blasphemies.  Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies, who distressed them. In the time of their suffering when they cried to You, You heard them from heaven, and according to Your abundant mercy You gave them deliverers, who saved them from their enemies.  Nehemiah 9:26-27

Teaching children to honor is serious business. And the rewards are great!