In our culture, there is a lack of respect for authority. Nowhere is this better evidenced than in the family—the most basic and foundational unit of our society. Instead of parents guiding, teaching their children, and telling them what to do, it’s the children who rule the roost in many homes. The kids call the shots, and the family structure suffers for it.

There is a fascinating story in Scripture that describes the serious consequences for disrespecting authority. In 2 Kings 2, Elisha was walking down the road when some young boys “came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, ‘Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!’” (v. 23). Elisha looked behind him, saw them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the forest and killed 42 of the boys (v. 24). Disrespect brought death in this example. Disrespect is a serious matter that can lead down a path of destruction.

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In contrast, respect for parents indicates respect for godly authority. When we teach our children to obey, we are looking out for their best interests, as well as keeping them in line with God’s commands. If we show them what it looks like to respect and obey God in our own lives, they can understand the correlation and respond to God with the same obedience and respect that we have modeled.

As we consider what it means to be a godly family, let’s unite in prayer for their preservation and prosperity.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @Tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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