PROVOKING TO WRATH FATHERS DO NOT PROVOKE YOUR

PROVOKING TO WRATH “FATHERS, DO NOT PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN TO ANGER, BUT BRING THEM UP IN THE DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD” (EPH. 6: 4)

Compare Eph. 6: 4 with Col. 3: 21 �A lesson in extremes. Balance is necessary. �But, it’s not just about children. Also employees, neighbors, brothers and sisters in the Lord. �So much anger, frustration, disrespect. �TV contributes. Music contributes. �“Who is he to be telling me what to do? ” �But mostly poor role models from Fathers. �How do we provoke to wrath or broken spirit?

Helicopter Parents �Always “hovering”. �Overprotective. If they fall, they need to hurt. �We’re working for the future. “Protecting” someone doesn’t give them room to grow. �Smothering someone produces rebellion or dependence. Not healthy. �We attack their friends, teachers, police, or anyone who accuses them. �Proverbs 1: 1 -6

Showing Favoritism �Gen. 37 – Joseph and Benjamin – Rachael’s children �Each child, employee, member is special in their own way. �To be rejected produces lasting hurt. Especially if it’s for something “not our fault”. �“Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. ” �Love your children. Love each other. �Respect abilities but accept each other for the good.

Hypercritical People �“You never…” “You always…” �Neither statement is true, for any of us. �Matt. 7: 1 -2 �Anything I do for the first time can be improved on. How about you? �Athens – “Anyone who sees a mistake is in charge of repairs. ” �Romans 14: 19

Share Time �Family, work, church – team building activities. �“Cats In The Cradle” – Harry Chapin �Preachers I’ve known. �USA poll – kids in stress look to: 1) music, 2) friends, 3) TV. Mothers ranked 31, Fathers 48 �Instead or provoking to wrath or broken spirit, “Provoke to love and good works” (Heb. 10: 24).