Provoking Parents

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Perhaps the most horrific form of selfishness comes in the form of selfish parents. I have seen example after example of neglect -- physical, spiritual, emotional -- on the part of parents toward their children. I have seen the devastating results of the selfishness. Parents, it's time to grow up. It's time to let go of your own perceived needs and strive for higher ground. You get angry at your children and their behavior, not even recognizing that you are the primary reason they act out. Open your eyes -- open your hearts!

And those of you that think you can live a double life, hiding the real you from your children...think again! This is perhaps even more devastating than those who openly reject and neglect their children. How does a child reconcile the father who speaks one thing with conviction and lives quite another thing, supposing that lifestyle to be hidden from the eyes of his loved ones? The only person you are deceiving is yourself. Unfortunately, you are not the only person affected by the deception.

At a time when your love for your children should provoke you to strive for godliness, your lack of godliness is causing your children to struggle with their own. Shame on you! Grow up! Humble yourself before your God and your children. You will not be sorry if you do.