Scripture: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV
Observation: In chapters 5 & 6 Paul gives very pointed instructions to husbands, wives, children, fathers, and slaves.
Application: Ephesians 5:25, “husbands love your wives just as Christ
Loved the church,” is my verse. I’ve failed so miserably at marriage in the past that I’ve really tried to take it to heart. However, as I read today, verses 1-4 of chapter 6 struck me. Once I landed on 5:25 for myself I “gave” 6:1-3 to my children. Oops! There’s also an admonition for fathers. Not parents, fathers; “…do not exasperate your children…” Fathers are tasked with being the disciplinarians and as such can become exasperaters if they don’t use consistency. Instead of being exasperaters of children, fathers need to be consistent trainers and instructors in the ways of the Lord.
Prayer: Father, I pray that my efforts in raising my children were what you wanted from me. I know that I wasn’t always successful in being consistent and non-exasperating. I pray that your will rule in the lives of my children. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Doug
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 