Obedience is a sensitive issue because it can easily turn into abuse. However, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with cultivating obedience to parents, authorities (such as teachers and bosses), or faith (if you have any). Remember, obedience must be given of their own free will. If someone you owe obedience (such as your parents) abuses you, you have every right not to obey.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Being Obedient to Parents
Step 1. Be respectful
Being obedient includes respecting your parents, honoring their ideas about what's best for you, and showing that you think it's important to listen to them. Listen when they speak and respond when asked.
- Don't ignore them in public. When going out with your parents, you may feel a little embarrassed for them, but pretending you don't know them or aren't with them is extremely rude. Also, this attitude can hurt them.
- Don't roll your eyes when they ask for something. If you don't want to do what they ask, the polite way to respond is to say why you don't want to do what they ask.
Step 2. Pay attention to your tasks
Parents tend not to overload him with thousands of tasks. In fact, they're likely to work a lot harder than you. Obeying means doing what needs to be done without your parents asking.
- Avoid having your parents ask for something more than once. Everyone gets distracted from time to time, so you may sometimes not remember a task you were asked to do. Try to prevent this situation from becoming typical.
- Do what you can to help with household chores without having to sort it out. For example, offer to babysit your younger sister so your parents can go out. Or find out when trash is picked up and get it out of the house before your mother has to.
Step 3. Think about why your parents said no instead of arguing
Your parents may have rules about what you should and shouldn't do. You may not like or always agree with these rules, but an obedient child considers the parent's point of view rather than fighting.
- Don't give in to the knee-jerk reaction of arguing with them or expressing your disappointment or disgust.
- If they don't let you go out with a friend on a Thursday night, they might be wondering if you've finished your homework on time or if you're going to get really tired at school the next day.
Step 4. Express your disagreement politely
Sometimes your parents may ask for something exaggerated or make unreasonable restrictions. In many cases, calmly arguing why you think their demands are unreasonable, offering alternatives, or making a deal can lead you to get what you want without being disobedient.
- Calmly explain your reasons. Present facts and don't rely only on impressions.
- Being obedient doesn't mean not having your own ideas, and it certainly doesn't mean you'll always have to agree with your parents.
Step 5. Be polite
Being polite to parents is a sign of respect and obedience. You should also be polite to other people: strangers, family members, friends. This way you demonstrate how well your parents raised you.
- Don't forget to ask permission to get up from the dinner table.
- Say “please” and “thank you” even in everyday situations.
- Open the door for people, offer to carry others' groceries.
Method 2 of 3: Being Obedient to Authorities
Step 1. Pay attention to what they have to say
When you are trying to be obedient to an authority, such as a teacher or a boss, you need to pay attention when she speaks. Show interest.
- In the classroom, look at the teacher when he speaks. Take notes when he gives you important information and seems interested.
- Listen to your boss when he gives instructions. Eye contact is important.
Step 2. Discuss concerns and issues privately
If you have a problem with an authority, don't discuss it in front of others. Instead, ask if you can talk in his office or after class.
For example, if you think the teacher has given an assignment the wrong grade, discuss that topic after class. Give clear, concise reasons for deserving a different grade (and no, "I tried too hard" is not a good reason)
Step 3. Understand what is expected of you
It's hard to be obedient to someone when you're not sure what the person wants. This attitude is part of paying attention to what the authority says, because that way you know what she needs.
- If you are obedient to the teacher, you must not neglect tasks like homework, classroom work, important projects, whatever is required in terms of classroom participation.
- If you obey a superior at work, you need to know what is expected of you. You have to pay attention to long-term projects and not waste time browsing the internet.
Step 4. Complete tasks on time
Once you know what's expected of you, it's time to meet expectations in a timely manner. If there is a legitimate reason for a task not to be completed on time, let your superior know.
Step 5. Avoid cheeky answers
Fighting or arguing with the boss or teacher is the opposite of being obedient. In particular, in a classroom or work situation, your opinion of your superior is not important.
- Insolence includes nonverbal attitudes, such as rolling your eyes or smirking when your boss says something you disagree with or think is stupid.
- If a superior asks for something don't ask "Why?" or say something like "This is totally unnecessary".
Step 6. Act as if you respect authority
Obedience and respect usually go hand in hand. To obey someone, you have to act as if you respect them as an authority. When the person tells you to do something, do it.
Be polite and considerate. Say "thank you" and "please"
Method 3 of 3: Being Obedient to a Religion
Step 1. Cultivate humility
When you obey the commandments of your faith, it means you are humble. You accept that your god is helping to direct your life and that you accept the good and the bad that comes.
Try to avoid taking responsibility for what happens in your life. When something good happens, remember it was the grace of God. If something bad happens, it will be a god-promoted learning experience
Step 2. Commit to your faith
Most beliefs and religions have specific rules that a practitioner must follow. Committing to a faith means giving up control of one's life (not in a bad sense) and realizing that what happens is God's work.
Step 3. Make choices according to your faith
Due to the rules of faith, certain choices will be difficult to make because you will need to choose between a life that could be materially easier but spiritually unacceptable. Obedience to one faith means choosing the second way.
- For example, such a choice may sacrifice your career because it doesn't conform to your beliefs.
- It can also occupy significant time in your day with prayer.
Step 4. Avoid judging others based on belief and obedience
Obedience to faith is personal. That means you have a connection to your god and your faith, which is wonderful.