• Colossians 3:20 “Children, obey your parents in ALL THINGS: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord”
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One of the most common complaints I have heard against parents is, “They are/were too strict.” There is a very negative connotation with the word “strict.” Many bristle at the idea of loving parents who actually expect full, complete, continual obedience from their children. And yet, the Bible Itself and God Himself expect “strict” adherence and obedience to ALL of a Parent’s loving commands as well as God’s loving commands. Here are just a few examples of God’s loving “strictness”:

• “… teaching them to observe ALL THINGS whatsoever I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:20)
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• “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do ALL to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
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• “Give NONE OFFENCE, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32)
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• “Let ALL THINGS be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
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• “For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in ALL THINGS” (2 Corinthians 2:9)
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• “… let us cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Co. 7:1)
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• “Let NO corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29)
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• “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man PERFECT in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28)
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• “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in ALL MANNER of conversation” (1 Peter. 1:15)
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In conclusion, the concept of “strict” may seem repulsive naturally to our sin-bent minds, but believers are to have their minds “transformed” (Rom. 12:2) to “the will of God.” And our loving God’s will demands strictness to ALL His commands. Loving, godly parents must likewise “train” their children in God’s loving “strictness” as well.