...In The Fear and Discipline of the Lord

This morning, my oldest son, a Freshman in High School, is going on a College visit. I don’t know how I feel about that. It’s uncharted territory, and I am certain that it’s one of those “flood gate” moments where it won’t be long until the others follow suit. I won’t stop it; in fact, I’ll encourage it. You see, from the moment he was born, my wife and I have been in the process of “releasing” him. He’s becoming a man, and, at each stage of his life (we do the same with his brothers), we release him to more responsibility and privilege, as he proves he is ready for it. Ephesians 6:1-4 says

“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.”

This means that I have a sacred duty to my children, first, to not provoke them to anger but secondly, to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Some parents take “do not provoke your children to anger” to mean “do not make them angry.” This is not what this means at all. If we were to raise our children in such a manner, it would mean allowing them to rule the roost, and would not, in fact, raise them to honor God at all. What it does mean is that I “bring them up.” I train my children to adulthood, while emphasizing the fear and discipline of the Lord. I bring them to the Lord, and teach and train them to honor Him, and to be members of the Body of Christ. I discipline them when needed, but also give them responsibilities, rights and privileges, as are appropriate and earned. I teach them to be adults, and, when necessary, give them adult responsibilities and lessons.

I am not raising children to be productive members of society. I want my kids to know Jesus, to be young men who love God and others, and who seek to live for Him with all they are. And if I am to do this, my opinion means nothing, their feelings toward me mean nothing, and God’s instruction to me as their Father means everything. I pray over them daily, for their success, yes, but mostly that they would love Jesus more than anything else, and dedicate their lives to Him. And in the same way, I must remember, the Father is training me.  

Proverbs 3:1-12

My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments,

for length of days and years of life

and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good success

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.