It's Okay to Obey

A friend shared that her 4 year old stated something to the affect of "Mommy, you're not listening to me. You need to obey!" The mother didn't really know how to respond. Afterwards I got to thinking about it and thought what a great teaching opportunity. I feel like today's society has lost a lot of the authority roles and respect that were put in place by our Creator for our good - everyone is so "self-important" oriented that we can't be subject to anyone. I think it is perfectly fine to tell that small child that she doesn't tell mommy what to do. She is the daughter and she gets to play and grow, and learn, and know she is loved and that mommy wants only the best for her and that obeying is one of the biggest ways that that little girl can honor her father and mother which is the first commandment with promise. Just like the little girl needs to obey her parents and other adults that are responsible for her, the mommy and daddy obey others. Mommy, though she can share thoughts and wishes with daddy, still listens and obeys Daddy because she knows Daddy loves her and wants only the best for the family. And Daddy is responsible to listen to God by reading his bible and praying and obeying God. Mommy and Daddy might also have jobs where they have a boss or supervisor over them that they have to obey and not talk back to. And we all obey rules of law. Even in church there is an order of authority that is to be respected. None of these roles and relationships are meant to make anyone less important or more superior but are set in place to provide order and a loving environment to learn and grow in. That mommy lets that little girl know that there will be times when she will need to love and teach her little sister things but she needs to know that for now, mommy loves her and mommy makes the rules not her and it's all so she can just enjoy being a little girl playing and growing and learning. Just my thoughts and I hope they makes sense.