[4] “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 (NKJV)
Most men are egoistic in character. That means that they only care about their personal needs. And interestingly, many of them don’t have the patience to see those needs met. When ego meets impatience, provocation sparks. Paul knew this because he was writing the letter as a man, even though he hadn’t been a biological father before. As for me, I’ve seen several old people display ego in offensive and unimaginable ways. Usually, when such men’s needs aren’t met, they either provoke those they instructed or get themselves hurt.
When God was listing the areas man should have dominion over on the Earth in Genesis 1:28, He never mentioned people. That is why the moment you try dominating people, particularly by refusing them to be free around you, those people will either be rebellious or disobedient to you. However, when it comes to family-life dynamics, it’s even prevalent.
Many parents don’t understand that children are a heritage from the Lord (see Psalm 127:3). So they treat them as if they own them, even when they’re adults. Now, when your child is very tender, you must train him in God’s ways, disciplining him more strictly. But as the child grows into adulthood, don’t dominate their lives, especially when they are workers. If that happens, it’s really frustrating.
Fathers are more prone to do this since they like exercising authority over the home more than mothers. So I encourage you, all fathers reading this devotional, to treat what Paul says in Ephesians 6:4 carefully. Do not provoke your children to wrath. Relate with them well, but don’t be dominant over their lives, or else you’ll have problems with them. Assist them to carve out their own life paths.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me raise anyone you bring under my care, whether physically, spiritually or both, with great care, instructing them according to Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 214
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