Father’s Day
You, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
How might a father provoke his children to wrath? Let me count the ways: 1) By being too harsh, taking out his anger and frustration on them rather than disciplining them in love; 2) By being too lenient with them, allowing them to do whatever they wish to their harm; 3) By being absent from their home and their children’s lives due to misplaced priorities; 4) By being abusive in his language or his actions, belittling or hurting them and thereby embittering their hearts; 5) By being a hypocrite, telling his children to live a godly life, while living an ungodly life himself.
How might a father foster a loving and God-pleasing relationship with his children and so fulfill his responsibilities before God? Paul instructs fathers: “Bring them (their children) up in the training and admonition of the Lord!” What does that mean? How is that done?
A child’s training begins from little on, as fathers lead children down a godly path. It involves introducing them to God and assuring them that God loves them and watches over them. It means leading them to Jesus and an understanding that they need a Savior. It involves teaching them the difference between right and wrong, correcting them in love when they are wrong by leading them to repentance and assuring them of God’s forgiveness. It involves teaching them to pray with thankful hearts. It means listening and explaining and rejoicing and discipling the minds and hearts of little ones entrusted to their father’s care for just a short time in life!
And admonition—what is involved? Think of Jesus’ commands to love God above all things and to love others as ourselves. Think of Jesus’ reminder that there is only one thing truly needful in life—to know and treasure the word of God. Think of Jesus’ invitation to worship and to praise Him. Think of Jesus’ commission to share His message of love and forgiveness with everyone.
Dear heavenly Father, help all fathers to bring up their children to know You, to love You, and follow You with faithfulness. Amen.