Beech Tree News Network

            A few years ago, I saw a short video that has remained burned in my memory. This “viral” video showed a mother kick her elementary school-aged son out of the house and tell him he needed to find a new place to live. Her reason for doing this was because the child voted for Donald Trump in a mock election! The video shows the mother giving him a suitcase and telling him to leave 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, his younger brother is seen crying and upset. The mother told that son that he could go with his brother. Upon feeling the “backlash” of criticism, the mother later claimed this video was a joke. However, if one had 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.

             After watching the video, I was reminded of Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:4. “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 to know this mother did not have “natural affection.” He is deeply distraught! She was provoking her child and inflicted emotional 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? 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 properly (Prov. 13:24, 19:18, 22:15; Eph. 6:4). 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 Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167