I Want to be a Good Dad and Son

As a parent and a son, the next section of Ephesians takes on two meanings for me. The relationship of parents and children is a unique picture of our relationship with God. At face value Ephesians 6:1-4 is mainly about the human relationship. Children are to obey and honor their parents. And Fathers are to bring their children up in discipline and instruction of the Lord without provoking them to anger. But there is more.

God makes a promise to us that if we honor our parents we will live long and prosper (Sorry, I worded it that way because I'm a huge Star Trek fan, which I actually watched all the time with my dad). God also instructs fathers to raise their children with discipline in a Godly home. But, this is really a picture of the rewards of being a child of God. By living a life of obedience to God we will understand and live a life of joy and happiness based on the understanding that all we do and go through and experience is for His glory and the furtherance of His kingdom. There is nothing better than obeying God and honoring Him with our lives.

I do want to mention my dad. After all, I mentioned my mom in a past entry and it seems only fair to mention my dad. He is a quiet person; slow to anger and quick to listen. Although my sister and I did make him mad at times and we were disciplined, I NEVER thought he reacted out of anger. I always knew that his discipline was deserved and necessary for the wrong we'd done. I was spanked for things and I had things taken away or suspended, but it was always explained to me in love and patience and concern for my life. My dad raised my sister and I to understand our responsibility as Christians and as adults participating in life. We both still call him for advice and help in times of struggle, and we know he will listen and always turn us back to the Word of God. I actually find it amazing how much of the Bible he knows by memory and understands to explain and apply to any situation. He also set a good example for us in how to glorify God in the things we do. Sometimes I still wish I could be under his rule and guidance more. I often feel I was held more accountable for my actions and I was less likely to make bad choices. I know that he would say God is always watching and the Spirit is guiding, but I do love my parents and the way they brought us up.

Praise God for My Parents.
Praise God our Father.