Beech Tree News Network

A video went “viral” recently wherein a mother kicked her son out of the house, and told him he needed to find a new place to live. Her reason for doing this was because her elementary school student voted for Donald Trump in a mock election! When this mother heard the news of his “vote,” she gave him a suitcase, and told him to leave the house and not come back. She gave him a sign to carry that said he was kicked out because he voted for Donald Trump. Toward the end of the video, another son was crying and upset with his mother. She told her other son that he could go with his brother. Upon feeling the “backlash” of criticism, she claimed this video was a joke and not to be taken seriously. If one has seen the video, the tone in the mother’s voice portrays something quite different. Her response that her actions were a joke reminds me of Solomon’s statement in Proverbs 26:18-19.

I am reminded of Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:4. It is written, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The principle that we not provoke our children to wrath is a real danger. The commentary in The Cambridge Bible says the original word for “fathers” in Ephesians 6:4 has the effect of saying “parents.” God also warns us against those who would be “without natural affection” (Rom. 1:31; II Tim. 3:3). Colossians 3:21 says, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” One needs only to hear the mournful cries of that child one time on the video, and it is clear this mother did not have “natural affection.” He is deeply discouraged! She was provoking her child, and inflicted damage on him (and his brother) and a degree of discouragement that he may never truly get over. Why act this way toward an innocent child? This boy’s vote was cast in a mock election! It had no meaning. Why treat this child as if he was no longer worthy of living in his own house? There was no excuse for her behavior!

In commenting on Ephesians 6:4, John Gill says, “…wrath lets in Satan, and leads to sin against God” (Exposition Of The Bible).

Parents, do we realize the power we have? God gives us children who look to us for guidance, wisdom, and to learn how to live in this life. What are we doing with this privilege? How are we treating our children? Have we read Matthew 7:12 lately? Jesus said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Remember, Matthew 7:12 applies in our homes, just as it applies in the workplace, and everywhere else. Do our children know the love we have for them? Have they witnessed this in our words and our deeds? If not, why not? Yes, punishment for wrongdoing is necessary in a household. Let this be done in a proper manner (Prov. 13:24, 19:18, 22:15). Even in correction, let us show true love for our children (I Cor. 13:4-8). However, let us not be guilty of provoking our children to anger in our parenting and discouraging them!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167