A Father like God
I would love to focus on the two previous verses that target my kids, but I really need to allow this verse to penetrate my heart--to sink in. What does it mean? Do not provoke your children to anger--negative command; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord--positive command. I went to the Message for little insight and it reads, "don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master." I think I get the first part, don't frustrate them, don't provoke them to anger, don't be overly hard on them to the point they can't do anything right. I get that. But the positive is a little harder to come by, and I think it has to relate to the way the Lord deals with us as His children. Here are some random thoughts that might apply: 1) His love is unquestionable. 2) His commands are clear. 3) His grace is constant. 4) His chastening/discipline is timely, and effective 5) He willingly grants us freedom to love and obey Him on our own accord (perhaps this is the hardest part of parenting, to give my kids the freedom to go astray). 6) His actions toward us are never out of anger, though perhaps often from pain. 7) He seeks to shape us at HEART level. 8) That means He is patient and tender, never forcing, but always teaching. OK, by now I am quite discouraged because I can see that I am in violation of both aspects of the command. Father, teach me to be a parent like YOU! Help me to take my kids by the hand and lead them in Your way!
Created about 3 years ago
