One of the greatest challenges for a Christian parent is striking the balance between being a wise authority and being a humble servant in the lives of their children. Parents must discipline effectively, training children to obey, while at the same time they must meet their children's needs with timely warmth and affection. Most of us tend to err toward one or the other, preferring to command respect ("because I said so") or to orient family life around keeping their children happy (often out of that parent's need to be loved). 

In this episode, Cameron and Anna discuss the radical nature of the Christian household code found in Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 (see also 1 Peter 2). In these letters, Paul demonstrates how the Christian exercises authority- that is to say, they follow the servant leader example of Christ. As parents learn to hold the roles of leader and servant in tension, they avoid "provoking" their children to anger and discouragement and raise young women and men who will walk in obedience to God and love for others. 

References

Ephesians 5-6:1-4

Colossians 3

Jesus Through the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord by Rebecca McLaughlin

Romans 8:31-37

Psalm 61:1-4

Romans 8 for Parents

Why Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon
 

Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock
 

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