From Steve’s Library 6/01/2006

One definition of strict is “extremely severe or stern.”  As my kids like to say, “Not!”  Let’s get one thing clear, extremely severe is not what makes for a good family.  Extremely severe fathers ruin their children’s lives.

Ephesians 6: 4 couldn’t be any plainer, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger.” Colossians 3:21 says the same thing with a little different twist, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.”  Fathers who practice the wrong kind of strict cause their children to lose more than heart.

One wise scribe commented on Colossians 3:21 by saying, “A child frequently irritated by over-severity or injustice acquires a spirit of sullen resignation, leading to despair.” Standing tall means leaving your kids hope.

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar was the author of many books, including the best-sellers Point Man, Finishing Strong, and Battle Ready: Be Strong and of Good Courage in These Troubled Times.