Read Colossians 3:21, Ephesians 64
We live in a world today where fathers are largely absent from the home. In a recent US survey of inmates it was recorded that 70-80% of prisoners did not have their biological father at home. One expert from Harvard medical school who has studied over 40 years of research on the question of parental absence and children’s well-being said ‘What has been shown over and over again to contribute most to the emotional development of the child is a close, warm, sustained and continuous relationship with both parents.’ Or as David Blankenhorn has stated in Fatherless America: ‘Fatherlessness is the most
Parenting is vital. In fact, it could be described as the most important job any male or female could ever have. Of course God wants mothers involved in parenting but it’s fascinating that God instructs, even commands, fathers to be actively involved. The word for ‘father’ in today’s verses cannot be legitimately translated as ‘parents’ as many modern day gender equal translations want us to believe. The translation to ‘parent’ is simply a modern day attempt to please the world rather than a biblically warranted translation.
Something magnificent happens when a Father is involved in parenting. Children need their father to be actively engaged in their lives. They need a loving, sensitive dad who protects and guides them. Fathers are not to embitter their children with harsh discipline or an iron fisted rule. They are not to criticise their children or make fun of them. They are to ensure that children are raised fairly and that they learn the ways and requirements of the Lord.
The Texan police department knew well the power of fatherhood and in jest released a memo on how to ensure you raise a delinquent child. The steps are as follows. Enjoy and laugh but heed the warning that God gives through this.
1. Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.
2. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they won’t be so shocked when the home is broken up later.
3. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he’s cute.
4. Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own.
5. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is twenty-one and then let him “decide for himself".
6. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort.
7. Avoid the use of "wrong". He may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.
8. Let him read any printed material, and listen to any music he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.
9. Pick up everything he leaves lying around. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.
10. When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying, "I could never do anything with him."
11. Take his part against neighbours, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will likely have it.
Prayer:
Using today’s Bible reading and notes spend time praying.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
à Pray that God would give parents wisdom in raising their children.
1. The world is arguing that saying ‘No’ is unloving. Does saying No to children embitter or bless them? Explain your answer.
2. How would you describe a father’s role according to the Bible?
Intro: Parents can sometimes make children angry or resentful by having too many rules and regulations or by pushing too hard. Even though parents mean well and love their children, it can still have a negative effect.
Share: a time that you as a child were frustrated or angry with your parents. Share how you dealt with it.
Read: Col 3:21
What does God warn against?
What does God warn against?
Why does He speak specifically to fathers?
Should a child tell his/her parents when they are frustrated?
Pray Together: for a loving stable family
Intro: Parents can sometimes make children angry or resentful by having too many rules and regulations or by pushing too hard. Even though parents mean well and love their children, it can still have a negative effect.
Share: a time that you as a child were frustrated or angry with your parents. Share how you dealt with it.
Read: Col 3:21
What does God warn against?
What does God warn against?
Why does He speak specifically to fathers?
Should a child tell his/her parents when they are frustrated?
Pray Together: for a loving stable family
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