Fathers play important role

None of the men in my life has had such a profound impact on me as my father.

The Bible teaches what modern psychology has affirmed: Fathers, and those men who step into the lives of young people as father figures, matter. (Sean Rossman, "Why Dads Matter, according to science," USA Today, June 13, 2017, usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/06/13/why-dads-matter-according-science/377125001/.) Ephesians 6:4 reads, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." There are four principles from this verse for fathers of every era.

First, fathers need to parent in a way that does not inflame and irritate their children. The instruction here is to not keep your children from being annoyed, but to avoid being the source of provocation. To not place upon your child demands they cannot by age and development meet. To resist berating their children with the harshness of tone and attitude. Fathers, be aware that you can easily provoke a child to anger.

Second, fatherhood has a purpose. Fathers are to bring their children up. Fathers are to not only be engaged with their children, but are pointing them in a direction. Parenting is not about raising children, but growing adults. Fathers play an active and vital role in the lives of their boys and girls becoming young men and women.

Third, fathers are to impose discipline on their children. While fathers will naturally bring a sense of adventure into their children's lives, they must also be engaged in creating boundaries. Discipline is not limited to correcting conduct. Discipline shapes character. Discipline is an action that reinforces one's values. Discipline says, "We do this, and we do not do that because this is who we are and want to be." Fathers must play an active role in the discipline of their children.

Finally, fathers are spiritual leaders bringing their children up in the instruction of the Lord. Dads, if you do not show your children that God matters to you, He will not matter to them.

Men, there are children in your life who need you to lead them, love them, and give them boundaries. To show them how to do life. How to know God, love him and those he has placed in your life. You matter, and there is a child in your life who you are important, too.