Parenting Roles

The following series is based on a book written by Jeremy and Sushma Ballard, “Is Your Home a Jesus Home?” The book is available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback & eBook), Barnes & Noble (Paperback & eBook), and Apple Books (eBook). Every purchase helps to support Jesus Home Ministries and the work Jeremy and Sushma are doing.

Last time, we discussed the gift of celibacy. Today, we’ll shift gears and explore the parenting roles within the family.

Every parent desires their child to be successful, not just in worldly terms, but in a way that aligns with God’s will. To achieve this, parents must instill in their children the principles of godly living, rooted in discipline and instruction that reflect God’s love and truth.

Ephesians 6:4 offers a clear and powerful directive: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This command speaks to the heart of parenting. It reminds us that while discipline is essential, it must be administered in a way that nurtures rather than frustrates. Parents are called to lead their children with love, avoiding actions or attitudes that might provoke anger or resentment.

1. Do Not Provoke Your Children to Anger: To effectively guide their children, parents must avoid behaviors that incite frustration or rebellion. If children are constantly pushed or criticized, they may react with anger or disobedience. Instead, parenting requires patience—a willingness to allow children the time to grow and learn. James 1:19-20 teaches us to be “slow to anger,” a principle that is crucial in parenting. By modeling patience and restraint, parents help their children develop these same qualities.
   
2. Bring Them Up in the Discipline and Instruction of the Lord: Discipline is not about punishment but about correction and guidance. When children go astray, it’s a parent’s responsibility to lovingly correct them and steer them back onto the right path. This also involves teaching them God’s Word, which is the foundation of all wisdom and understanding. The most effective way to instruct children is by setting a godly example—living out the principles you teach. Children learn not just through words but by observing their parents’ actions and attitudes.
   
3. Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go: Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of long-term, consistent instruction: “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.” This verse highlights that parenting is a continuous process, requiring dedication over many years. Parents must guide their children through every stage of development, preparing them to become responsible and godly adults. This training involves more than just teaching rules; it’s about shaping character and instilling values that will last a lifetime.

It’s essential for parents to remember what it was like to be a child. Reflecting on their own experiences can provide valuable insights into the challenges their children face. The more parents understand their children’s perspectives, the more effectively they can guide and support them. This empathy fosters a deeper connection between parent and child, making discipline more effective and nurturing a loving, trusting relationship.

Raising children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord is both a privilege and a responsibility. By avoiding actions that provoke anger, consistently teaching godly principles, and empathizing with their children’s struggles, parents can fulfill their God-given role and help their children grow into the people God created them to be.

Join us next time as we explore deeper regarding disciplining a child.