A parent’s role never truly ends no matter how old their children grow. During the formative years, a parent wears many hats, guardian, counselor, caretaker, teacher – you name it. God, as the Creator and Ordainer of marriage and family, has established irreplaceable roles for both parents. Within that design, He has entrusted fathers with specific responsibilities that deeply affect the lives of both their sons and daughters.
That said, we are living in a world that increasingly undermines the family structure. Modern ideologies often distort the God-given role of women as homemakers, nurturers, helpers, and mothers (Titus 2:3–5). Simultaneously, society works to emasculate men by eroding their natural, God-designed roles as providers, heads of their homes and fathers (Genesis 2:15; 1Timothy 5:8). This is not to suggest that every woman must bear children or that every man must become a father as some are called to singleness or celibacy by divine gifting (see Matthew 19:12). However, for those who are called to parenthood, Scripture is clear about the weight and wonder of that assignment.
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4, NKJV
In this verse, the apostle Paul exhorts fathers with a pointed charge: do not provoke your children to anger. The influence a father has on the soul of a child is immeasurable. If a father is consumed by anger, bitterness, or malice, the child, whether consciously or not – will often adopt that same disposition. Not because they want to but because fathers carry a God-ordained weight that shapes the world around their children in their early years.
Anger is especially emphasized by Paul because of its destructive power. It can consume every other emotion and leave a person emotionally dry and relationally distant. John Piper aptly calls it “a cannibal emotion.” When passed down, it devours a child’s capacity for tenderness and vulnerability. Though both mothers and fathers share in the work of raising children (Ephesians 6:1), Paul places particular focus on fathers in verse 4 because they bear the mantle of headship in the home (Ephesians 5:23). Just as a CEO sets the culture of a company or a pastor disciples a congregation, so must a father take the initiative in cultivating an environment of godliness, structure, and grace in his household.
FATHERING THROUGH PROVISION, DISCIPLINE AND ADMONITION IN THE LORD
Fatherhood is more than financial provision. It encompasses spiritual, emotional and moral investment. A father must love his child just as he loves his own body (Ephesians 5:28–29). This love, when rightly expressed, instills confidence in the child, even during financial hardship or in moments of discipline – that their father’s actions are rooted in love.
This love is not mere lip service. A child must feel it in the way their father speaks to them, plays with them, resolves conflict, honors their mother and most importantly, in how he disciplines them and controls his own anger. A father’s gentleness, firmness, and intentionality help shape how a child will later understand and relate to God the Father.
Discipline, when administered in love and humility, imparts work ethic, character, and integrity (Proverbs 3:11–12; Hebrews 12:6–11). These traits are not best taught by lecture but by consistent example. A child who sees their father walk in honesty, accountability to godly counsel and reverence before God learns firsthand what it means to be a person of integrity. Children naturally idolize their fathers, seeing them as heroes and sources of wisdom. What a powerful and humbling image it is, then, for a child to witness their strong, capable father kneeling in submission before a higher authority: the Lord Jesus Christ.
Fathers, the privilege of raising a child is one of the greatest gifts God gives. The Bible calls children “arrows in the hand of a warrior” (Psalm 127:4). Your legacy is not in earthly wealth, fleeting investments, or accolades but in the God-fearing, purpose-driven, sensible child you nurture from birth. This sacred responsibility is not merely about teaching a child to know about God, but about reflecting God’s own character: His integrity, gentleness, justice, and grace.
The goal is not to raise children who are entitled or stubborn, but those whose wills are shaped, not shattered—who are trained by love and led by example. May we raise children who see the Lord in us, and who, in turn, desire to follow Him.
Praise God.
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
