Submitting to Parents When You Are an Adult

Question: How long should I submit to my parents?

Answer: As long as you are dependent upon them and living under their roof and are not capable of assuming an adult role in life. Once you are able to do that you should not be in submission to your parents’ authority but respect it. This means that you will honor them and their opinions and views on things, but make your own decisions as the head of a new household. Moses called this “leaving father and mother” (Genesis 2:24).

Even if you are not starting a new household (i.e., getting married), you need to learn to live on your own and face the multiple decisions that come your way. It is best, of course, to face them in light of God’s will for your life and with His wisdom.