God is quite clear about authority in the home. He loves the family and wants it to run smoothly. In order to function smoothly, God has appointed the husband to be the leader of the home (Ephesians 5:23-24). He is the head of the family and is the one who is to lead. He and his wife are to oversee and teach the children (Ephesians 6:1-2). In a healthy home, children will see their parents working together in a healthy, loving manner. While the final word rests with the husband, he will want to have plenty of input from his wife as well as everyone else in the family before making any major decisions. His loving manner will generate a willingness to obey and a respect for his position. While growing up, I knew my parents loved me and would want the best for me. As a result, I had respect for people in authority—police, teachers, principals, government leaders and my parents. Respect for them as a youngster made it easier for me to respect God our Father and Jesus Christ in their awesome offices of authority. Here is a meaningful quote from the book The Family: "In a good family there are always present, without being obnoxious, the controls that constitute the essence of good government. Discipline is necessary, not primarily for its contribution to family harmony, but because it must be learned as a quality essential in all walks of life. "Discipline without love begets resentment; it is the devoted and skillful blending of the two that develops children into adults able to cope with the environment in self-reliance, self-mastery and courage." The wisdom of the Proverbs brings this pithy saying: "Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul" (Proverbs 29:17). When properly executed, loving authority will bring obedience and respect to those who exercise it. May we who are parents practice that loving authority so that our children may grow up to respect and obey those in power who they will encounter throughout life! UN