The 4th commandment is mentioned here and it also reminds us that this commandment has a promise attached. This next section makes me scratch my head a little "Fathers do not provoke your children to anger" OK, But here is the deal sometimes I "a mother" can say one word and boom my child has been provoked to anger. I think we need to use discernment in this and often parents use this verse to throw discipline and expectations out the window. If we as parents walk on eggshells in our home for fear of angering our children we are not doing what God tells us next. "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Sometimes this means telling them things they do not want to hear but they need to hear. Just as our heavenly Father gives us what we need as apposed to what we want we also need to do this for our children.
I want to note that it is the parents duty to bring up the children in the instruction of the Lord. What does this look like?
Daily prayers,
Daily Bible readings (with discussion of what was read)
Memory work
Using every opportunity to teach our children about grace
Teaching your children the basic christian doctrine found in Luthers Small Catechism (that is what Luther designed it for)
It is not the Churches job to teach your children everything they need to know about God. The church is a useful tool and a great support but should not be the first and only place the children learn about God. When we stood in front of the church and God at the baptism of our children, we took an oath to teach them these truths. I wonder how many families actually take this oath to heart and complete this task? If more families would have family worship time at home and make God the most important thing in their lives I think the children would grow and stay steadfast in their Christian faith as they finish confirmation and move on into adulthood.
What are your thoughts?
Sing Praises to Your King!
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