EPHESIANS 6 : 4
"And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." [Wrath means "violent anger"]

God holds parents responsible for the upbringing of our children. We need to understand that the responsibility of raising our children does not lie with grandparents, schools, youth groups, peers or friends.

Although each of these groups may have some influence on them, in a positive or negative way, we as parents have to decide whom we allow to speak into the life of our children. The final duty in the teaching or raising our children rests with us - the parents. This responsibility largely rests on the father who is the head of the house (or should be). What a huge responsibility.

I believe there are 2 areas we need to consider for the proper upbringing of our children.

• The right attitude
• The right foundation.

We need to understand that a household which has nothing but destructive criticism, condemnation, unrealistic expectations, sarcasm, and intimidation will provoke a child to wrath.

The alternative, where a strong foundation can be established, is a home which is rich in encouragement, tenderness, patience, affection and of course, unconditional love.

PROVERBS 22 : 6
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

PSALM 127 : 3 & 4
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of ones youth."

Raising our children is a responsibility we cannot take lightly. As a father, I find myself often praying for Wisdom. Wisdom to be a good father ; wisdom to be a good husband. One thing I am learning is not to rush in, but to listen before I actually engage my mouth. I want to speak the right words into the life of my family.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. To have an impact on our children, we as parents, need to be so willing to change and adapt. Easier said than done, I know, but I encourage you to work on those areas that may be lacking in your life :
Your childrens future may be at stake.