The Greek word for nurture means tutelage and education, and the word admonition means warning. Thus, this verse is saying, “Bring your children up in the teaching, the tutelage, the education, and warnings of the Lord. ” Notice that this verse is directed to fathers. Our society says that women are supposed to bring up the children, and she certainly plays an important role. But every child needs a mother and a father. The father’s job is to instruct, teach, and warn.
A child who does not have a father is missing a critical person in his or her life.
If you father a child out of wedlock, not only should you write a check for his or her financial support but also you should actively teach and warn that child. Women, if you are a single parent, don’t say, “I don’t want to take any child support from him. I don’t want anything to do with him any more.” His money isn’t for you. That is the child’s money.
If your child’s father is not giving you any money, go to court, get the support, and put the money in the bank for the child. If you’re taking the child support money and buying a car or clothes for yourself, you’re stealing from your own child! That money belongs to the baby!
Unfortunately, many people see children as a curse and not a blessing. Raising a child requires a significant financial investment, but they’re worth every dime of your money, and they’re worth every moment of time you take to train them in the ways of God. My wife and I have been greatly blessed by our children; they’ve enriched our existence immensely. Children are a reward from God.
Prayer for Today
Father, I thank you for parenting me with all wisdom and all love. I pray that you would give earthly fathers the desire to model your support and investment in every parenting situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Selah: Think on These Things
• Psalm 127:3
• Proverbs 17:6
Keith Butler Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).