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"And 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 do parents raise champions for Christ in the world in which we live? Well, to be honest, it will not be easy, but the good news is, it can be done, and it has to be done. This week in our devotions, my aim is to come alongside Christian parents, cheer you on, and offer some practical help to assist you in one of your greatest challenges and opportunities in this life: raising your children to walk with the Lord in this crazy world.
Much of what I will share with you this week is from a recent podcast program called "Family Goals", a 7-week series that my wife Ashley and I are currently releasing on our REvangelical podcast ministry. God has blessed us with three great children, and we are so proud of them. Each one of them loves Jesus, is serving the Lord in a local church, and loves their spouse deeply. Ashley and I were not perfect parents by any stretch, but along the way, by the empowering grace of God, we got some things right. We want to share those principles and truths with you for the express purpose of helping you raise your children in what is quickly becoming an anti-Christian culture and world.
Raising children in the training and admonition of the Lord takes great effort, but the investment pays wonderful dividends in both their lives and yours. The Apostle Paul challenges fathers to not provoke their children to wrath. Dads have that unique ability to do this very thing in the lives of their kids. Overbearing dads who constantly criticize and compare instill a seething anger within the hearts of their children. Overprotective parents (helicopter parents who hover over their children's every move) also tilt their kids toward resentment and anger. Another way parents and dads in particular can provoke their children to wrath is by checking out and neglecting their responsibilities as parents. There is no manual given to you before you leave the hospital instructing you on how to be a good parent. It would be nice if there was! But an obvious truth to succeeding in being a good and godly parent is simply being present, staying involved in your kids' lives with constant encouragement and occasional correction.
To train and admonish means you have to be present. There is no way to parent by proxy. I think if you bring a child into this world, the least you can do is spend time with them and help shape and guide them toward success. It is not too late. As long as you are alive, your son or daughter will always be your child. Love them unconditionally and point them to Jesus, even today.
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