“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4.
There are few tasks more difficult than parenting. When we think that God has given us the stewardship of shaping a young life, it challenges us to turn to Him for help. Parenting will bring you to your knees and to God’s Word for help. Paul now turns to the duties for parents.
It is likely that even though Paul uses the word “fathers” he has both parents in mind. The first word for parents is “do not provoke your children to anger.” Children are called to obedience (6:1) and thus it is right for parents to demand obedience, but not in a capricious and domineering way. Discipline is essential, but petty regulations and rules which serve to discourage children are to be avoided by godly parents. In Colossians, the twin letter, Paul states it thus—“Father, do not exasperate your children so that they will not lose heart” (Col. 3:21).
Paul now turns to the positive duty of parenting and in so doing he uses a word that was used in 5:29, where he speaks of a husband “nourishing” their wife. The word was originally used of bodily nourishment, but it came to be used in terms of “nurturing” of body, soul, and mind. But notice that the key issue is neither harmony in the home nor the happiness of the children, but their regard for the Lord and His instruction. If parents bring their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, the harmony in the home and the happiness of the child will be the natural consequence. When parents teach their children God’s Word, the Spirit will bring both discipline and instruction through the Word.
Christian parents should place a child’s loyalty to Christ above health, material prosperity, academic achievement, or social position. Do you?
Prayer: Father, help me to follow Your instructions for raising the children given me in stewardship. Amen.