Authority is essential in establishing order. Authority consists of the people who uphold the rules, laws, and moral principles that govern us. This hierarchy is naturally present in the home, with parents and caregivers holding the reins of authority. They are responsible for modeling and teaching rules of conduct, protecting their children, and providing for their needs. Children are to respect and adhere to their parents’ authority and guidance.
When the family unit deviates from this natural order, the family structure begins to break down. Parents may exhibit negative behaviors that their children may then imitate. Children may also become disobedient or delinquent as they look for love and acceptance in unhealthy ways. Children without respect for rules and authority may struggle academically, behaviorally, and socially. By adhering to the natural order in the home, children learn to respect rules and authority outside of the home.
These questions are designed to help families talk, listen, and grow together.
- Why do you think every group—family, school, team, or nation—needs leaders or authority figures?
- What would happen in a family if children made all the decisions instead of parents?
- How do parents (or caregivers) show love by using their authority? Does authority relate to responsibility? If so, how?
- Can you think of a time when listening to authority saved you from making a big mistake?
- What’s the difference between respecting authority and simply obeying out of fear?
- How do you know when someone in authority truly has your best interests at heart?
- What happens when authority is ignored—not just in families, but also in schools, jobs, or society?
- How can respecting authority at home prepare you for success in the future (college, career, or relationships)?
- When authority figures make mistakes, what’s the right way to respond?
- How can you one day become an authority figure that others want to follow?
Importance of Authority in a Young Person's Life
- Keeping Things in Order: It gives us the structure we need so things don’t go totally wild.
- Building Respect: When we respect people like parents and caregivers, it helps us respect teachers, coaches, and even future bosses later on.
- Keeping Us Safe and Providing for Us: Good authority means we’re safe, get good advice, and our basic needs are met.
- Helping Us Act Right: Authority figures are like role models, showing us how to make good choices by example.
- Growing Future Leaders: Understanding authority early on gets young people ready to use it wisely when they become leaders.
- Stopping Bad Stuff: Listening to the proper authority helps us avoid making really bad decisions and falling into negative influences.