Good day Templar family
We often think of the role of mothers in child rearing, but biblically, God put fathers in charge, especially in the realm of the children’s spiritual nurture.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk ... moreGood day Templar family
We often think of the role of mothers in child rearing, but biblically, God put fathers in charge, especially in the realm of the children’s spiritual nurture.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Notice that the Deuteronomy passage here assumes the father is actively present with his children and engaging with them. The father can’t teach his kids if he isn’t spending time with them and talking with them.
The Ephesians passage mentions not provoking children to anger. How would a father do that? Being overly harsh or unreasonable would provoke most children to anger. So would living a reckless and stupid life – like drinking too much, cheating on their mother, or constantly getting fired from jobs –things that destabilize the children’s lives. Fathers need to discipline their children, but it needs to be reasonable and loving. (Proverbs 3:11-12, 13:24)
The best way for a father to achieve the role of bringing up his children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord is to model a life that reflects God.
A second vital role of fathers is providing for their families.
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
The context here goes beyond providing for one’s wife and children, but also meeting the financial needs of one’s widowed mother. The father’s role is to provide for his family’s physical needs. In the Lord’s prayer, we ask our heavenly Father to “give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). The earthly father models our heavenly Father by providing a home, food, and clothing. (Matthew 7:9-11).
A third role of a father is protector, modeling our heavenly Father’s protection from evil (Matthew 6:13). A loving father protects his children from physical threats. He also protects them from engaging in activities that can harm them psychologically and spiritually. For instance, he monitors what they’re watching on TV, what they’re doing on social media, what they’re reading, and who they’re hanging out with. Â
Another crucial role of a father is interceding for his children. The man Job was a prayer warrior for his children – even when they were adults (Job 1:4-5).
Because of our Father’s love, we have hope. We can trust Him and pour out our hearts to Him, for He is our refuge and our boundless fountain of love. His precious love is unfailing. He is always good, always ready to forgive, always there when we ask for His help. God is full of compassion, and even when we fail Him, He is patient and merciful. He is for us and not against us. Nothing can separate us from His love.
Have a blessed Fathersday
God's blessings Soli Deo Gloria🇿🇦🇬🇪⚔️
