Obedience is a sensitive topic, so it can turn into something offensive. However, this does not mean that there is anything wrong with instilling obedience to your parents, to authority figures (such as teachers or superiors), or even to your faith (if you have one). Remember, obedience is something that should be freely given. If your object of obedience (such as a parent) abuses obedience, then you have the right to revoke it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Be Obedient to Your Parents
Step 1. Respect your parents
An aspect of obedience is showing respect for your parents, respecting their ideas of what is best for you, and showing that you think they deserve to be listened to. Make sure you listen when they talk and respond when they ask you to respond.
- Don't ignore them in public. When you go out with your parents, you may feel a little embarrassed about them, but pretending you don't know them or you're not with them is very rude. This attitude will also hurt your parents.
- Don't roll your eyes when they ask you to do something. If you don't like what they're asking, a polite way to respond is to ask them to feel why you don't want to do what they want you to do.
Step 2. Pay attention to your assignments
Parents are less likely to ask you to multitask. In fact, they may work much harder than you do. Obedience means doing what you see fit, even without being asked by your parents.
- Avoid making your parents ask you to do something more than once. Everyone is distracted at times, so you may not always remember to do an unsolicited task. Try to avoid things like this.
- Do what you can to help around the house without being specifically instructed. For example: offer to babysit your little sister so the parents can rest at night. Or try to figure out when it's pick-up day and take the trash out before your mom does.
Step 3. Consider why your parents are saying no, rather than arguing
Parents can have all kinds of rules about what they think you should or shouldn't do. You may not always like or agree with these rules, but an obedient child considers the parent's point of view rather than fighting over it.
- Don't give in to spontaneous reactions to argue with them or express your disappointment or displeasure.
- If they say no to you wanting to go out with friends on Thursday night, they may be thinking that you won't finish your homework on time or that you'll be too tired at school the next day.
Step 4. Express disagreements in a polite manner
There are times when your parents may ask you to do something or put unreasonable limits on you. In most cases discussing quietly why you feel their request is unreasonable, or offering alternatives or compromises, can lead to getting what you want without being disobedient.
- Calmly explain your point of view. Give facts and don't just rely on feelings.
- Obedience doesn't mean you don't have your own thoughts and it certainly doesn't mean you have to always agree with your parents.
Step 5. Be polite
Being polite to your parents is a sign of respect and obedience. You should also be polite to other people: strangers, family members, friends. This way you will show how well your parents raised you.
- Make sure that you ask permission not to participate at the dinner table.
- Say “please” and “thank you” even for basic things.
- Hold the door open for people, offer to help others carry their groceries.
Method 2 of 3: Being Obedient to Authority Figures
Step 1. Pay attention to what they have to say
When you are trying to be obedient to an authority figure, such as a teacher or boss, you need to pay attention when they speak. Show that you are interested.
- Look at your teacher when they are talking in class. Take notes when they provide important information and seem like you're interested.
- Make sure that you listen to your boss when they give lessons. Again, eye contact is very important.
Step 2. Discuss the considerations or concerns in private
If there's a problem with an authority figure, you shouldn't share it in public. Instead, ask if you can talk to them either in their office or after class.
For example: if you feel that the teacher gave an incorrect grade on an assignment, you can go and discuss it with them after class. Provide a clear and concise reason why you feel you deserve a different grade (and “worked really hard” is not an excuse.)
Step 3. Try to understand what is expected of you
It can be hard to be obedient to someone if you're not too sure of what they want from you. This is part of paying attention to what authority figures have to say, because then you'll know what they need from you.
- If you are obedient to the teacher, then you need to prioritize things like homework, classwork, any major projects, what they need regarding class participation.
- If you are obedient to your boss at work, then you will need to know what is expected of you in terms of work. You need to pay attention to long-term projects, and make sure not to waste your time at work browsing the internet.
Step 4. Make sure you complete the task on time
When you know what is expected of you, it's time to meet those expectations at the right time. If there's a valid reason why a particular task or job won't be completed on time, be sure to notify your authority figure.
Step 5. Avoid arguing
Fighting or fighting with your boss or teacher is the opposite of being obedient. Especially in a classroom or work situation, your opinion of an authority figure won't really matter.
- It can also be non-conversational, such as rolling their eyes or grinning when they say something you don't agree with or think it's stupid.
- If they tell you to do something don't ask "Why?" or say something like "It's really pointless."
Step 6. Act as someone who respects them
Obedience and respect have a tendency to go hand in hand. To be obedient to someone, you need to act like you respect them as an authority figure. When they ask you to do something, do it.
Be polite and considerate. Say "thank you" and "please."
Method 3 of 3: Being Religiously Obedient
Step 1. Cultivate humility
When you are obedient in following the mandate of your faith, it also means you become a humble person. You accept that your God helps direct your life and that you accept the good and the bad that come your way.
Try to avoid taking ownership of the things that happen in your life. When good things happen, remind yourself that it is through the grace of your Lord. If something bad happens, it is a learning experience brought by God
Step 2. Commit to your faith
Most faiths and religions have rules and regulations that their followers need to follow. Commitment to your faith means giving up control of your life (not in a bad way) and understanding that what happens comes from God.
Step 3. Make choices according to your faith
And again, due to the rules and regulations of different faiths there will be certain choices that are difficult, as they will make you choose between life that may be materially easier, but which is not spiritually acceptable. Obedience to your faith means choosing the last resort.
- For example: such a choice could cost you your career path because it doesn't align with your beliefs.
- It can also be like taking significant time out of your day to pray.
Step 4. Avoid judging others based on their beliefs and obedience
Your obedience to faith is a personal thing. It means that you are in connection with God and your faith and this is something beautiful.
