God assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. Of course, mothers are not excluded; they are just not given the primary responsibility. God’s expectation is for parents to teach their children about God and to train them according to God’s word.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.--Ephesians 6:4
The purpose of all instruction and discipline is to instill useful principles in the minds and hearts of our children for good living. More specifically, our goal as parents should be to instill within our children a sense of reverence for God for a lifetime of devotion to Him in preparation for Christ’s return.
What can a Christian parent do to carry out this instruction??
While some families may choose to have periodic organized times for devotional or Bible study, we must all take advantage of the daily opportunities that arise. The following are just a few examples of unforced, natural teaching moments.
When fixing the car, you may have an opportunity to mention federal and state regulations which you may not like, but that you follow because you honor the laws of the land as Scripture teaches.
When teaching your daughter how to manage her finances you might take the opportunity to say something about God’s blessings and the value of honoring Him in a weekly contribution or by financially assisting someone in need. Instill the value of generosity, an attribute of God.
In the evening while on a fishing outing you might pause to enjoy the sunset and draw attention to the majesty of God’s creation.
After hosting friends for an evening in your home you might say something about how God values fellowship and hospitality.
After an exhaustive, yet ultimately successful search for an important lost item, you might be able to impress upon the heart of your child God undying love and compassion for lost souls. Consider also what might be taught when that valuable item is never found!
When your children observe poor behavior in other children, you might be able to teach something about the value of discipline.
When finances are tight and you cannot participate in a desired activity, you might teach something about financial responsibility or contentment.
After experiencing disappointment, you might teach something about the nature of our broken world and the enduring hope of everlasting life with God.
After having applied effective discipline, you have an opportunity to reinforce your love for your child, in spite of the wrong that was done. You may also be able to teach about God’s mercy and forgiveness.
If we intend to discipline and instruct our children in the Lord, we must have the instruction of God in our heart. So, we must be people who use God’s word to govern our lives. In addition, we must be constantly aware of teaching opportunities. Then, when those situations arise, we must take advantage of the opportunity for the benefit of our children.
And finally, if we are to discipline and instruct our children in the Lord, we must ensure that the things being taught are already being demonstrated in our own lives. Our lives as parents should punctuate and reinforce our instruction.
Mark Stinnett
May 25, 2025
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