Christian ParentingShembull

What’s the Goal?

The Bible is not an extensive manual on parenting, but it offers a powerful verse that speaks directly to this vital role: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

This single verse contains a profound truth that encompasses the essence of godly parenting. In our modern age, we often seek answers from countless and complex psychology books, hoping to find perfect solutions. However, parenting is not primarily about adopting specific communication styles, maximizing quality time, or boosting self-esteem. It is fundamentally about the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ.

Our children’s greatest need is not proper manners or worldly success but regeneration and salvation through faith in Christ. Their greatest danger lies in straying from the path of righteousness. Consequently, the supreme calling of parents is to faithfully share the gospel with their children, pointing them to Jesus as the ultimate source of hope and redemption.

It is not enough to merely teach our children good behavior or avoid provoking them to anger. We are called to deliberately and intentionally provoke them to love and follow God. This involves living out the gospel in front of them and diligently instructing them in spiritual matters. It means grounding our warnings and corrections in the authority of Scripture rather than relying on mere moralism. We seek to cultivate in our children a genuine fear of the Lord and a deep understanding of His ways.

Godly parents can have rebellious children, just as it is possible for ungodly parents to have children who come to faith. Our commitment is to bring our children up in the Lord’s training, discipling them in His ways, lovingly warning them of the dangers of sin, and prayerfully urging them to follow Christ. Even if our children choose to rebel against God, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we have faithfully fulfilled our duty as parents. We fervently plead God’s promises for their lives and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about their salvation. Let us approach parenting with awe and humility, relying on God’s grace as we share the life-giving message of Jesus with the next generation. Do you see the gospel as the main focus of your child’s future? Let today be day number one.