September 1, 2010
Ephesians 6
Pastor JoAn Blackmon
It has been two years since my dad went home to be with Jesus and I still miss him. He was an amazing man who formed my faith in Christ more than any other single influence.
I was thinking of him as I read this verse in Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” (New Living Translation)
My dad must have had that verse embedded in his soul, because he raised 7 kids exactly that way. He didn’t quote a lot of Scripture, but his life was a sermon more powerful than words. He taught us to do the right thing, be responsible, finish what we start, treat our neighbors kindly, and cherish our family. He loved people and showed us how to care for others. He laughed easily and taught us to enjoy our days. He was soft-spoken, patient, wise and gentle. I actually don’t ever remember him being angry…except for that one time, just before impact, when I was first learning to drive! (Actually, there was no anger and no impact, but it is a funny image and he would have enjoyed that joke!)
He taught us that “faith without works is not faith at all,” and that we should “do all our work heartily as a gift unto the Lord.” He taught us to love the church and be the church. We read the Bible every day because it held the answers to life. Sitting around the breakfast table, we read a chapter a day, every day, every year…year after year. Our personal “spiritual formation” lessons happened spontaneously, as everyday life unfolded.
For most of my “growing-up years,” I thought that everyone had a dad like I did. Of course, most kids didn’t. However, according to Ephesians 6:4, every dad should accept that it is his job to instruct his kids how to live for God---in a way that is consistent, authentic and honorable. Dad is the spiritual trainer, as it were, and he is to train his kids in a disciplined, intentional manner, with gentleness and patience.
Just think what kind of world this would be if dads lived this one verse…every day…day after day…every year…year after year.
Did you know? Pastor JoAn grew up in northern Wisconsin and is an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
