Parents: Be the Adult in the Room

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

The fifth commandment calls children to honor their father and mother. Interestingly, it's the only one of the 10 commandments that has a promise to children: that all will go well with them in the land.

But the fifth commandment has implications for parents as well. God gave parents authority over their children. For discipline, training, and instruction in God's commands (Ephesians 6:4).

Parents are called to be the adults in the room. Meaning, children need parents who enforce God's commands. Uphold biblical guardrails. Oversee the happenings in their children's lives.

Parents, you are not called to be your kids' best friend. That should happen after they've grown up and become adults themselves.

But as you are raising them, you are the adult in the room. The authority. The parent.

Love your kids. Oversee them well. Discipline when necessary.

But always be the adult in the room.

And as your kids learn to honor you, remind them that God has a planned blessing for them!