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11. Dive Deeper: Obey Your Parents (Colossians 3:20)
- Collected Joys
- Nov 20
- 6 min read
About our Dive Deeper Series
Welcome! This post accompanies our newest book, Memory Verses in Action —created to help kids not only memorize Scripture but also live it out in daily life.
Each post of our Dive Deeper series includes extra resources for every verse in the book—featuring activities, songs, teaching videos, and reflection questions to help kids understand and apply God’s Word.
To learn more about the book and explore all the available resources, click here.
Dive Deeper: Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
— Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Obeying isn’t always easy—but the Bible shows us that it’s an important part of following God and growing in our faith. God has given children parents, grandparents, and caregivers to love them, guide them, and help them learn what is good and right. When kids choose to obey, they’re not just helping their homes run more peacefully—they’re also showing love and honor to God.
In this verse, Paul reminds children that obedience is something God notices and values. It pleases Him! Whether it’s cleaning up, listening the first time, or choosing not to complain, every small act of obedience helps kids grow in character, respect, and trust.
Below you’ll find meaningful ways to help your child understand this verse and live it out—through simple activities, helpful reflection questions, and songs that reinforce what obedience looks like in everyday life..
Activity Idea: “Obedience Treasure Hunt”
Hide 5–7 simple clues around the house. Each clue tells your child to do a small obedience-based task in order to get the next clue.
Clue Examples:
“Put this pillow on the couch. When you’re done, look under the couch for your next clue.”
“Take this book to the bookshelf and place it neatly. Then check the spot where you keep your shoes.”
“Fold this small towel and set it on your bed. Your next clue is hiding nearby!”
“Pick up three toys and put them in the toy bin. Look behind the door for your clue.”
“Bring this spoon to the kitchen. When it’s in the sink, check the pantry shelf.”
“Draw a happy heart to show cheerful obedience. Then look inside the art drawer.”
“Put this sock in the hamper. After you do, look in the laundry basket.”
“You’ve obeyed with a happy heart! Look where your shoes rest at night to find your treasure!”
When they complete the tasks with a good attitude, they earn the next clue. At the end, surprise them with a small “treasure."
Tie-In: Talk about how choosing obedience leads us to good things—peace, joy, and a life that pleases the Lord.
Activity Idea: Obedience Scenarios
Use these simple, real-life scenarios to help kids practice each “piece” of obedience. Read each scenario and ask: “What would obedience look like in this situation?” Then act it out together!
1. Obey Right Away
Scenario: Mom says, “Please put your shoes by the door.” You really want to finish building your Lego tower.
Obedience Response: You pause your play, put your shoes away right away, then return to your activity.
2. Obey With a Happy Heart
Scenario: Dad says, “It’s time to help set the table.” You were hoping to keep playing outside.
Obedience Response: You take a deep breath, say “Okay, Dad!” with a cheerful attitude, and help joyfully.
3. Obey Without Complaining
Scenario: Your mom or dad asks you to clean up your room. You feel tired and don’t want to do it.
Obedience Response: You choose not to grumble or argue and quietly begin cleaning up.
4. Obey Even When It’s Hard
Scenario: It’s time to get ready for bed, but you really want to keep reading your book.
Obedience Response: You obey right away—even though it’s hard—and get ready for bed.
5. Obey With Respect
Scenario: A teacher asks you to line up for recess. Everyone is excited and talking loudly.
Obedience Response: You line up quickly, use a respectful voice, and follow classroom expectations.
6. Obey Because It Pleases the Lord
Scenario: Dad reminds you to turn off the TV and help with a small chore. You're in middle of your favorite show.
Obedience Response: You choose to obey because you love God and want to honor Him—even when it’s not easy.
Wrap-Up Reflection
After all scenarios, ask:
“Which obedience scenario was the easiest for you?”
“Which one was the hardest?”
“How can we practice obedience this week?”
This reinforces that obedience is more than following rules—it’s choosing actions and attitudes that please the Lord.
Additional Discussion Topics and Questions
Colossians 3:20 teaches kids that obedience is more than following rules—it’s a way to show love, respect, and trust. Obedience brings peace to our homes and helps us grow in character, just as God desires. Use these truths and questions to help your child think about what this verse means for their everyday life.
It can be helpful to break this verse down into four big truths:
1. Obedience Shows Love
When children obey their parents, they’re showing love in a real and practical way. Obedience isn’t just about following instructions—it’s a way to say, “I care about you, and I want to listen.”
2. Obedience Builds Trust
Parents give instructions to protect, guide, and teach. When kids obey, it shows they trust that their parents want what’s best for them—just like we trust that God’s ways are good.
3. Obedience Helps Homes Run Peacefully
When everyone listens the first time and follows through with a good attitude, families experience more peace, teamwork, and joy. Obedience helps create a home where everyone can grow and thrive.
4. Obedience Pleases the Lord
Paul reminds us that children’s obedience isn’t just about parents—it’s something God notices and delights in. When kids obey with a willing heart, they’re honoring God and choosing His way.
Additional discussion questions:
Why does obeying your parents, teachers, or caregivers please God?
Talk about how God gives caring adults to guide and protect us.
What’s something your parents ask you to do often?
Help your child think about real-life moments where obedience matters.
How should you obey then?
Connect the instruction with their attitude and actions.
What does it mean to obey with a happy heart?
Discuss how obedience includes both actions and attitude.
Should you obey right away or delay? Why?
Highlight that quick obedience brings peace and honors God.
Should you obey only when it’s easy, or when it’s hard too?
Remind them that obedience sometimes requires self-control.
Should you obey with complaining or with a happy heart?
Talk about complaining vs. cheerful obedience.
What happens in your home when everyone obeys kindly and quickly?
Explore how obedience helps families live in peace and teamwork.
How does obeying your parents show love—not just to them, but also to God?
Tie obedience back to worship and honoring the Lord.
Which of the Ten Commandments says, “Honor your father and mother”?
Help them look up Exodus 20:12 to see where God first gave this command.
Can you find the Ten Commandments in your Bible?
Turn this into a fun Bible-navigation challenge by helping your child open to Exodus 20:1–17 and read the commandments together.
🌟 Closing Thought
Colossians 3:20 reminds us that obedience is a simple but powerful way for kids to honor God. When children listen, respond kindly, and follow through with a willing heart, they show love to their families and choose what pleases the Lord. This week, encourage your child to look for small moments to practice joyful obedience as they grow in faith and character.
✨ Next Dive Deeper:
1 John 4:19 – God First Loved Us
In our next Dive Deeper lesson, we’ll explore the beautiful truth that we can love others because God loved us first. Kids will learn how God’s love shapes the way we treat others—and how His love fills our hearts so we can share it every day.
Click below to begin the next lesson, or visit our Dive Deeper page to explore all the resources that go along with Memory Verses in Action.
Our Favorite Kids’ Bibles & Devotionals
Looking for more ways to help your child grow in God’s Word? Here are a few of our favorite Bibles, devotionals, and faith-building books for kids! These are wonderful tools to use alongside the Memory Verses in Action series and to encourage everyday conversations about faith at home.
Please note: This section contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love!
This is one of our top recommendations! All the verses in Memory Verses in Action come from the NIV translation (except for Philippians 4:13), so kids can easily find and follow each passage in this Bible. It’s filled with colorful illustrations, fun facts, and “Live It!” features that help kids apply God’s Word to daily life. This is a great Bible for elementary-aged readers!
In addition to the standard version, check out this adorable personalized edition. Add your child’s name to make their Bible extra special!
➡️ Explore More Faith Resources
Please visit the links below to see all of our recommended resources:
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