Bible Verse of the Day Sunday June 19th, 2022 (Father’s Day)

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Paul speaks directly to fathers in this scripture verse, but the message applies to all parents. There are many ways parents can exasperate their children, and the list is extensive—unjust punishment leading to favoritism over another child and unfair exercise of authority. For example, parents can exasperate their children by requiring uncalled-for and legalistic requirements on their children. These unfair expectations will cause discouragement in children that could last for years, if not generations (Colossians 3:21).

The training Paul speaks of in this verse includes regular and orderly Christian direction and instruction, with reasonable and God-directed chastening. Christian training should be applied with discipline on the part of the parents (self-discipline) and the children. Children require a stable home environment based on God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Training and instructions of the Lord are of no positive consequence outside teachings of what Christ Jesus did on the Cross of Calvary for all people. Our Children need a positive Christian upbringing because Satan and the world are waiting in the wings for us to fail, so they can take over and influence our children. 

Overprotection is another dangerous aspect of training children in the Lord; it is as hazardous as neglect. A parent only has a few short precious years to prepare their children for life as independent adults. This is a day-by-day process where more freedom is awarded to the child gradually and based on the individual child’s growth process. Parents can dishearten a child by placing out-of-reach standards on the child. Excessively challenging parents can generate an attitude of perfectionism in the child. A perfectionistic child will never attain a point of satisfaction because there is always some objective beyond their reach. 

The job of teaching children about Jesus and His saving grace is not restricted to the home. Many wonderful children’s Sunday School and Christian school teachers and youth group directors have dedicated hearts and souls to helping children grow in the Lord.

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