As we conclude our week of focusing on the "deadly" sin of anger, a word to dads from the Apostle Paul:  ⁴Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 NLT   Notice it is "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger..."  not "Mothers...." Why do you suppose Paul focused these words to dads?

My personal experience of growing up was that my dad's own natural anger frequently vented itself toward me.  My mother was much less prone to angry behavior.  Perhaps the innate "wiring" of men and women is such that we men are more inclined to anger.  Whatever the reason, Paul made it clear that instead of provoking our children to anger we dads are to bring them up with the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  What sound words of instruction for us!  In order to bring our children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, we must be under that discipline and instruction ourselves.  In my life, the more I put God first, the better husband and dad I become. 

Dads, take a moment right now and reflect on your behavior as a dad over this past week.  Have you provoked your children to anger?  Have you disciplined and instructed them in the Lord? Have you lived under the discipline and instruction of the Lord?  Based on your responses to these questions, take some time to thank God for victory in these areas, or to confess your shortcomings, ask forgiveness and seek a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit so you'll do better today!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, those of us who are dads thank You for giving us this great opportunity and responsibility.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may live boldly in You and humbly as dads.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.