First, children, obey your parents (1-4). As we live to please our Father God, obeying him, so our children are to obey their parents in the Lord. God's commandment gives a promise to all obedient children: it may go well with you and that you may enjoy a long life on the earth. Fathers have great hope and expectation for their children, which can often lead them to exasperate them in high standards and impatience. Instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord, practicing the gospel of grace, patience, and mercy in the home. Second, serve wholeheartedly (5-9). We don't have slavery today, but still we are to have an attitude of slaves of Christ, doing God's will from our heart, serving earthly masters as if we are serving the Lord, not people. God sees, and will reward. If we find ourselves in positions of authority, we should live in the fear of God, knowing he will call all to account.
Application: Thank you for being my heavenly Father. Help me to obey you. Help us live out the gospel in our families and working places.
One Word: Serve the Lord