Ephesians 6:1-4 (NLT)
1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

In this chapter of Ephesians the apostle Paul proceeds to direct family members in their duties to each other. Children should obey their parents following the Lord’s directive to do so. Good relationships bring peace and harmony. When there is a need, there will be a place to fall back to if relationships have not been severed. Parents, especially fathers are not to be harsh towards their children. Parents are to participate in their children’s lives in order that the child may grow in wisdom of the Lord. The father as leader of the home should set a godly example for their children.

Proverbs says a child should be directed down the right path so when they face difficult circumstances in their life they are able to go the right way. This means as parents we have the responsibility to make time for our children and teach them lessons about life. We must have clear plans for our children that follow God’s will and not our own. We should seek to instill a love for God by demonstrating our own love for God. Proverbs also tells husbands to let your wife be a fountain of blessing and for them to rejoice in the wife of their youth. Fathers by demonstrating love for your wife and children you teach your children the love of God by example. You instill in them values that remain for a lifetime. In our busy lives we often neglect the things we should do. Sometimes we are just selfish and forget our children need time from us. Can you imagine if you were in need of God and His answer came back, “sorry I am too busy for you now?” Make time for your children so they are not provoked by the way you treat them. Spend enjoyable time with them. They need to see the good in life. They need to know we care. It is much easier for a child to accept discipline when they know the parent cares deeply for them. Most of all pray for your family. Pray they would understand who God is. Pray they would understand the salvation of Jesus Christ. Pray for God’s protection in your family’s life. Pray God watches over your family and directs them on the right path. Fathers stand firm as leaders for your children and you will be rewarded.