Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 AMP
The word fathers is talking about parents. It’s the duty of parents to show good examples to kids by first submitting to God. We should not expect our kids to follow our footsteps when we refuse to follow the footsteps of Christ.
Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).” 1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP
God wants the parents to be an example of submission of Jesus Christ to their kids. And also He wants the parents to discipline their kids by the living standard of His word in referential fear to His name. For the word of God admonish all to do all things in the name of the Lord.
God’s living standard is what will help us not to provoke our children to resentment and even if they rebel our godly lives will speak for them wherever they go and God will surely align their steps to His plan and purpose for their lives. That’s why is good to discipline them by the word of God.
But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:10-17 NLT
Paul the apostle was a good example of a Father to Timothy. His examples were that of Jesus Christ. We ought to do same in submission to God as good examples to our kids.
Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your word. Help me to be a good example of submission to my kids even as I submit to you imitating our Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ mighty Name. Amen.