What do we do when an adult or older person asks us not to do something? Are we able to stop and do something else without any objections? Or do we think: “They’re just trying to spoil our fun”? Such thoughts come from the devil, and we must learn not to follow them.
Is it difficult for us to listen to what our parents or leaders say? God says in the Ten Commandments that children should obey their parents. The apostle Paul even says that we should all respect and listen to one another (Ephesians 5:21). There are also rules in the church. God wants order in society, in the family, and in the church. That is why we should keep to this order voluntarily and out of love for God, not just because we have to.
Jesus is an example for us in this. When He went to Jerusalem with His parents to celebrate Passover, He stayed in the temple after the feast. His parents thought He was with the other children. When they did not find Him after a day, they returned to Jerusalem and discovered Him among the teachers in the temple. His mother asked: “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” Jesus replied: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48-49). Although Jesus was right, He still went home with His parents.
Why does the Bible say that we should take the advice of our elders? Older people often have more life experience and know better what consequences our actions could have. They usually only want the best for us, and it is wise to listen to them. If we don’t understand why we shouldn’t do something, we can ask questions and learn from them.
And what do we do when our friends encourage us to do something even though we know it is wrong? We can pray, and God will either give us the right words or create a situation that helps us follow His commandments.
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