September 10th

Better Families

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with a promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.' And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4

Think carefully before you answer this question. Are you ready? Alright, then tell me, who is in charge of your home?

I could almost hear several of you say, Jesus. Technically, this should be the correct answer, but here's the problem that a lot of our households have-Jesus left your household in your care, so while you should be taking directions from Him, you are supposed to be in charge.

As a pastor, I see lots of families, and it amazes me how many parents somehow forgot they are in charge of their kids. I watch as the parents tell their kids to do something and then tolerate their child ignoring them. Parents and future parents, hear me now-you are in charge of your kids!

There is rank within the home, and while this is a huge revelation for a lot of people, you need to understand something more. You need to understand why your children should obey you.

Yes, because the Bible tells them to. Again, you're right, but why did God write that in the Bible? He had a purpose behind the words or He would not have said them.

Our verses today give us two answers to this question. First, God promises to bless children who honor their parents, causing things to go well with them and granting them a long life. Second, because you as parents-and, fathers, you go first in this-you have a mission to accomplish! God has given you your children and He doesn't want you to waste them!

Raise your children in the training and admonition of the Lord. This does not mean to simply teach them about God; it means to train them in His ways. Anyone can study a sport and the athletes who do it the best, but only those who train at the sport become successful athletes. In the same way, anyone can become a knowledgeable theologian, but only those who train in the pursuit of God will become strong Christians.

The trick is that your children have to honor and obey you as an athlete does his or her coach in order for you to train them. You have to be in charge or you cannot train them.

Do you want your children to walk with the Lord? Then be in charge and use your authority to gently train your children in the ways of God.

Prayer Father God,

Thank You that You are the perfect parent! I want to know the way that You parent us as Your children so that I can be a better parent to my children. Please train me, so that I can train my children!

Amen