“Listen my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of grace on your head and a gold chain around your neck.” (Proverbs 1;8-9).
Memories are built upon the things that leave an impact, and there are moments in history that are indelibly printed within the mind and heart. It is not a matter of forgetting those things that were negative in the past, but rather, as we grow up, seeing them differently. Fatherly instructions provide correction and guidance, and guidance without instructions would only be premature encouragement as one follows his or her own path. It is like accelerating the engine of a car without using the steering wheel. The guidance of Godly fathers provides a track for children to progress in life, not only for success in a career, but also for success in life. The enemy’s objective is to pit the role of mothers against fathers and fathers against mothers, and when that division exists, a schizophrenic mindset is inevitable. The role of both parents in harmony with God displays the divine order of the Father (God) and the Son (Jesus Christ). As the marriage of roles is honored, a healthy attitude towards the Lord can be established within the household.
The instructions are not arbitrary, nor should they ever be. Godly instructions must be embraced by fathers if they reverence God and wish the best for their families. They must possess and employ prophetic insight, having their sights set on the future outcome of whatever instructions were given or modeled by them. It is not just what is being said, but also the instructions given by practice that establish the course that their children follow. Additionally, the mother reinforces what has been given to the family, and then it becomes law within the hearts of those who carry out the first commandment with promise. “Honor your father and mother that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Deut. 20:12).
God’s principles of growth can be applied to every sphere of life. One does the planting while the other does the nurturing or cultivating. Even though both roles are often interchangeable, the primary roles remain constant. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:26-27). When she opens her mouth, her words are empowered to validate the wisdom that came from the Lord. This is why it is important that both parents seek the will of the Lord before they give instructions to their children. Household salvation applies to the decision and development of every household member. We pray for Godly parents so that God may be honored in each family.