Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV
You can discipline your children without provoking them to anger by choosing your words and actions carefully. It's the job of the parents to train their children to follow the Word of God and live in obedience to it. Lack of discipline will promote a sense of entitlement and rebellion towards authority figures. If a child is not taught to obey or respect their parents, chances are they will show little to no respect for anyone else in life. By not disciplining children, parents are preparing them to operate in selfishness, disregard the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and fail in adulthood. If we want children with godly character, we should set the example by being parents with godly character.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV
The word of God tells us to us to constantly love God with all of our heart, soul, and might. It also tells us to teach our children to do the same. This means that we should be living godly lives daily, not just on Sundays for church services. Parents, correct your children when they do wrong and follow Christ to the best of your ability to set the right example for them. When it comes to training your children, your actions will speak louder than your words.
"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" 1 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
It's important to prioritize church as a household and attend regularly; however, at the top of the priority list should be the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being of the family. If the household is not in order, the church will not be in order. Yes, come to church, support events, volunteer, and actively participate in ministry, but not at the expense of your family! Choose to create a church-like environment in your home for times when church attendance may not be the top priority. You can create a godly atmosphere in your home by playing worship music throughout the day, placing scriptures or Christian artwork on the wall, and setting home guidelines and healthy boundaries. Set a designated time for family prayer or Bible Study regularly. You carry the Holy Spirit inside of you, so you are the church wherever you are.
