Paul said that “the truth is in Jesus” (4:21). Give your children Christ-centered instruction. As you walk with them, drive them places, play with them, and have meals with them, talk about Jesus! Talk about His incarnation, His death, His resurrection, and His lordship. Danny Akin advises parents well: “Have fun and talk about Jesus a lot.” We are to lead our children to the truth that is in Jesus, ultimately so they may submit to the Lord that is Jesus. We give them to Jesus, but we also give them Jesus.

Reflection
What motivation, goals, and hope do believers have when we care for children and how are they different from those of non-believers? Why is it important to set a Christlike example for children? Whose responsibility is it to disciple children? What can parents do to avoid having their authority undermined? How should verses 5-9 inform our work ethic? How should it change the way we relate to people? How should it help us evaluate our priorities?