April 11 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Within society there is widespread abuse and neglect of children. Young children suffer for the rest of their lives because of the misdeeds of their fathers (and mothers). Many adults are hurting deeply because in their childhood their parents showed them no affection but made them the victims and targets of abuse. By the grace of God and through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit there are different fathers in the world too. We may thank the Lord for fathers who, to the best of their ability, have a passionate love for their children; they genuinely want to fulfil their responsibilities to the glory of God.

The father of Proverbs 4 expresses his greatest desire: that his children walk in the Word. “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give good doctrine; do not forsake my law.” Christian parents love their children in ways the world does not know. Good health, further education, having a well-paying job, marrying well, having musical or athletic skills mean very little if our children have not been taught to walk in the ways of the Lord.

Controlled by the grace of the Lord, a believing father will be concerned about the eternal well-being of his children. A father is given a position of prominence since he is called to lead his children in expressing love for the Lord. Through proper training of his children the line of the covenant of grace is continued from generation to generation.

Although a father’s position is given prominence, the significant role of a mother is not left out of the picture. Verse 3 says, “When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother...” The characteristic of a Christian mother is her tenderness. A mother adds a special ingredient to the family. She exhibits the warmth and compassion that is associated with the gospel of salvation by grace alone.

May our fathers and mothers complement each other in the instruction they give their children. Teach your children from the Scriptures to know the majesty and greatness of the Lord, to be tender warriors, fighting the good fight of faith as they stand strong in the grace of God.