Fathers do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

In a fallen world system, we as believers must be aware of the warnings in God’s Word. Even after being saved from the world’s clutches, we can still find ourselves stained and hindered by its pervasive presence. The world’s influence can cause damage to our lives and testimonies, making it crucial for us to be vigilant and guard against its negative impact.

One area of great concern for believers is being faithful parents. Raising children who will love and follow the Lord wholeheartedly becomes even more challenging in a society increasingly deteriorating morally. The answer to this challenge does not lie in adopting the principles of psychology or relying on human ideas but in embracing the wisdom found in God’s Word.

Let us consider four simple yet profound truths that shed light on the task of faithful parenting. First and foremost, we must recognize that the responsibility for raising children rests squarely on parents’ shoulders, not on the state or the church. Secondly, it is essential to remember that the essence of effective parenting lies not in complex methodologies or strategies but in simplicity. Thirdly, raising children requires active engagement, not passive detachment. Letting children grow independently, without guidance and supervision, is not enough. Lastly, as parents, we evaluate our effectiveness not by our children’s choices and responses alone but by our faithfulness to God’s instructions. We must fervently pray for our children’s conversion and spiritual growth while modeling godliness in our own lives. These are some of the ideas we will talk about through these devotionals. The goal is to pursue progress and seek Jesus and His kingdom.

Parenting requires immense effort and unwavering reliance on God. It is a journey that necessitates continually seeking His direction and empowerment. Despite its challenges, parenting can be simplified when we focus on the ultimate goal: leading our children to know, love, and obey Christ. The world around us may fiercely battle for the hearts and minds of our children, but we must rise to the challenge and strive to win them for the Lord. We do this through parenting them with an unwavering commitment to His truth. May God grant us the wisdom, strength, and grace to fulfill our calling as parents in this fallen world. Don’t rest in your own strength, but in His.

The duty of parents. Be not impatient; use no unreasonable severities. Deal prudently and wisely with children; convince their judgements and work upon their reason. Bring them up well; under proper and compassionate correction; and in the knowledge of the duty God requires.

Bible Hub

How do fathers and mothers provoke their kids? How do parents provoke their children to anger?

The Apostle Paul reminds us of the critical nature surrounding relationships in the home. In his letter to the Ephesian church, he writes a great deal about husbands and wives and children and fathers (parents). He offers encouraging words about these relationships and how they ought to function Wives honor their husbands. Husbands sacrificially love their wives. Children obey their parents. Parents lovingly guide your children.

As far as family dynamics go, this is certainly not an in-depth teaching. Nor is it without its own interpretational challenges. But, it is a sweet picture of the purposeful way God looks at family and household relationships. He wants our homes to operate in love, grace, kindness, honor, and encouragement. And with the destructive forces of culture bearing down on us, coupled with our own sinful tendencies, we struggle to experience this reality.

But those, whose chief anxiety is that their children should be rich and accomplished, whatever becomes of their souls, must not look for the blessing of God.