by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live."

Proverbs 4:1-4

The problem today is not that kids don't want to receive authority; it is that parents don't want to take authority.-Ted Tripp

Families in our society face pressures and attacks never seen before in history. How can we combat the devil's attacks against our families? How do we make sure we stay together and stay close to God? One way is by establishing godly authority in the home.

Child-rearing is a wonderful blessing and responsibility for parents, but can also cause extra pressure if both parents are not in agreement on how to raise the child. Some parents wonder whether they should befriend their child or rule their child harshly. Actually, neither of these extremes produces godly children. A parent must learn to correct and admonish, but also love and nurture.

In his book Shepherding a Child's Heart, author Ted Tripp states, "The problem today is not that kids don't want to receive authority; it is that parents don't want to take authority." As a parent, your job is to establish biblical authority in your home. God commands children to "honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" (Exodus 20:12), but as parents, you must command honor by setting rules and enforcing them.

How can you establish biblical authority in your home?

Set standards. A parent with no rules is a parent with no respect. Children will complain about rules, but deep down, they know they need those rules. Standards are set not to restrict a child's freedom or fun, but to save them from heartache and regret.

Enforce the standards. Perhaps the most miserable of parents is the inconsistent one. If you're going to set a standard in your home, enforce it. Follow up with correction when needed. A rule is no good if not enforced.

Love and nurture. Establishing godly authority isn't simply about making rules and correcting your children. Godly authority also nurtures the heart of a child. Take your child out to eat, spend time with them, explain why you set the rules you do, and point their hearts to Christ. Your child should never be disciplined without knowing that you still love them.

What does authority look like in your home? Have you lovingly set standards and enforced them, while still nurturing and loving your child? Balancing authority is a great responsibility, one you cannot do alone. Every day, ask God to help you be a better parent, to guide your children to love Him more. Continue to fight for your family's spiritual safety by setting godly authority in your home.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Job 36-37 | Acts 15:22-41