The Instruction of a Father

[582 words] Fathers are important to the development of children. We are thankful for those men who take seriously the command of Ephesians 6:4 by lovingly bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord rather than provoking them to anger. In their interactions with their children, fathers must avoid relating to them in such a way as would discourage them (Col. 3:21). Above all pursuits of making one’s children happy, promoting their worldly success, protecting them, or having harmonious relationships with them is the primary responsibility to teach them to follow the Lord’s word.  The first thing a man can do to teach his children to love the Lord in obedience is to set the example himself. In Deuteronomy 6:7, the command was given to teach the Lord’s words diligently to one’s children; however, before this is the greatest command of all: “thou shalt love the…