“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:1-4 NLT
Just as in the marriage relationship, the parental relationship demonstrates, albeit in its function, the interplay between the Godhead. In the sense of submission, there is a way in which the choice to submit always works. This is when the positionally dominate figure, in this case a father, takes on the caregiving of what is best for the child. This is done through a careful determination of a child’s limits. Paul notes, before speaking of obedience, that a father must not exasperate his child. This means to push his child to his breaking point. It means to be so rigid, in applying discipline, that the child loses all hope of choice. Choice is fundamentally important in this dynamic, because in this context of tenderhearted care, a child is to choose respect and obedience to their parent. This equilibrium creates the momentum of godly relationship and feeds both individuals. They then grow towards being a strong reflection of God. Problems lay in when either respect or love, are missing. Furthermore, the starting point of the spiration is always on the onus of the father. This is why so many parental relationships do not generate a godly outcome. Without a father who dutifully, out of love, refuses to exasperate his children, by indulgence, indignation or indifference, a child will never respect him. Much can be learned from paying close attention to the love and respect exchange demonstrated between Christ and the father. There is much work to be done amongst believers in this matter.
JOSH McGARY. COM 