Trust and Obey

Who is it harder to obey – teachers or bosses?

It is a lot harder to obey someone you do not trust. As a teacher, it’s important to establish a culture of trust in your classroom as soon as the year starts. I explained my classroom rules and set high expectations that my students would follow them. I had clear consequences for not following the rules or for disrespect of others. What I didn’t expect was perfection. We all make mistakes and need safe places to learn and grow. My students could trust that I had their best interests in mind, and that I would listen to their thoughts and opinions. I often told my students that as long as they obeyed the rules of my classroom, I’d have their backs. As long as they spoke respectfully to whomever was correcting them, I’d listen to their side of the story if there was an issue. We all know that rules vary from classroom to classroom or house to house so sometimes a little conflict resolution was necessary.

When disobedience is a constant issue, I often find it’s because the students do not respect or trust those in authority because those in authority have not extended respect to their students. Who wants to obey those who constantly cut you down and don’t value your worth? Not many of us. When mutual trust and respect is in place, students and employees thrive. I taught my students to be quick to admit their mistakes and to ask for help when they needed it. My reputation for being a tough teacher preceded me, but so did my reputation for being a great teacher.

I found that setting clear expectations of my students, the youth on a service trip, or my own children went far to helping set everyone up for success. Of course I had a few tricks up my sleeve, like a code word to remind my students that they were in danger of a reprimand, but I didn’t want to embarrass them by calling out their misbehavior in public. I have also perfected the mom eye!

If teachers and parents have proven trustworthy, children can rely on them to provide what they need in meeting their emotional, physical, and academic needs. When they trust their parents and teachers, obedience will be easier and more natural, and harmony will follow. It’s so much easier to teach a class once you have the trust and obey part established. When students feel valued they will participate more and the fun will follow! This is also true of the workplace. The Bible talks about fearing/obeying God because we trust in Him. You can read about it in Psalm 33. God is trustworthy and even though we may not understand all his ways, we can trust and obey Him. 

As for who is harder to obey – teachers or bosses – it probably all depends on whether or not you trust them to have your best interests at heart. So what kind of parent, teacher, or boss are you? 

Table Talk: How do you communicate trust? Who is harder to obey – teachers or bosses? What kind of parent, teacher, or boss are you?

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