Many parents punish and control their children, and seek to have docile, respectful children in the process. They abhor their child ever "talking back". However, the true spirit of biblical parenting is reverent rebellion. Reverent rebellion denotes the nature of children's surrender to parents. Believe nothing. Question everything.
Reverent rebellion can be summed up in Colossians 3:20-21 KJV:
Children, obey your parents in all things, as is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they become discouraged.
The Greek root word "obey" is υπακουο (Latin: hupakouo) and refers to providing custody. This included the right of children to demand their needs, and for parents to supply them, with children not being required to mince words with parents, or withhold fists and blows, particularly with mothers. Children owe nothing in relation to parents, yet nonetheless show their gratitude towards kind, gentle parents by listening to their voice, meaning out of reassurance and familiarity and not out of fear of punishment. The Greek root word translated "provoke...to anger" is ερεθιζο (Latin: erethizo) and literally refers to "stirring up" the emotions of children, and "stirring the pot" in that regard, referring to the offenses in the legal context of the Bible, which meant in the New Testament the slightest of offense perceived by a child, to the level of din. Corporal punishment was, therefore, perceived as an offense by the child, and also their mother, who was their primary custodian. In Hebraic circles, it just didn't happen to minor children, due to the customary law of the time favored attachment parenting strongly, meaning raising children in an attached manner was family tradition.
Reverent rebellion is the active aspect of surrender to parents, meaning feeling safe enough to rebel against them, meaning any straight-talking rebellion from your child is a good sign in parenting, meaning they tell you exactly what is on their mind, and parents heed to the lawful and binding demands from children, for children are the "least of these" and are legal and discerning extensions of God, appointed by Him in an empowering light to strike terror into the parent or adult, convicting them to give God's loving reproach or reproof, with neither associated with any form of punishment.
Reverent rebellion was rule from beneath for children in the biblical context, meaning children demanded their rights, freedoms, and needs, which were supplied by their parents, especially mothers. Infants up to age 3 were swaddled next to mothers, held closely in their bosom. Older children played freely in close range to mothers, and were encouraged lovingly by fathers, particularly in studying the Law.
Children should be empowered to rebel and revolt against adult tyranny and hegemony, with adults submitting their power and control to the footstool of children, thus surrendering to God through their child or a child, knowing how they have wronged children for existing as adults, oppressing children collectively individually since time immemorial, deserving absolutely nothing from a child, being grateful for every bit of respect from a child, responding with kindness and respect, keeping the cycle going upwards.
The depraved and entitled parents will not inherit the Kingdom of God! Let them burn and languish in the lake of fire and burning sulfur, which is the second death prepared for the evil one and his accomplices! Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
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