The Happy Way Is To Obey

by Audrey Wauson

We used a curriculum in kindergarten with our sons that had a little ditty that said, “The happy way is to obey.” (Kindergarten is a very foundational time ;) And oh how much happier we all were when they obeyed! Obedience… it’s what Samuel talked about to Saul when he said… …Obedience is far better than sacrifice… 1 Sam 15:22-23 NLT

The Bible tells us to…
"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you.” Ex 20:12 NLT

“Children, obey your parents …”

This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise.

And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother,

"you will live a long life, full of blessing." Eph 6:1-3 NLT

How is it that honoring our moms and dads is THE only commandment with a promise? Why not “love God with all your heart, soul, and mind…so that you will live a long full life?”

There are some differences between obedience and honor, but not much

Definitions of honor
· a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
· bestow honor or rewards upon;
· show respect towards
Definitions of obedience
· dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
· the trait of being willing to obey
· Obedience is the willingness to follow the will of others.

Note: obedience is NOT just doing what the other person tells us to do. There is an agreeing on our part to become a part of the problem, the process, or the solution. Still, we can’t get away from the fact that God says honor/obedience is the key to living a long, full life. So, even after we are past the age of having to obey our parents we still have to honor, IF we want to live a long, full life.