Teach Them About Authority

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:1-7

Another of the basics which must be developed in order to keep your kids on your team is to teach that we are ultimately accountable to God.

Independence is a wonderful thing, but each of us must realize that along with freedom comes an undeniable responsibility to carry on our lives in submission to authority. At first, that authority is found in our parents; then it broadens to include other adults such as teachers, instructors, officers of the law, and our system of government as a whole. But far above all these figures of authority, our kids need to learn that they are first to hold themselves accountable to the final Authority - God Himself.

As most parents are well aware, you establish the authority structure in your home (who’s boss) and maintain that structure, giving your kids the security of knowing your loving limitations. Where this is lacking, you find chaos, confusion, and rebellion. Keep your kids on your team by teaching them how to relate to God-given authority.

We must teach our children to Whom they are ultimately responsible.