THE KINGDOM AT THE KITCHEN TABLE
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 6:4 (NLT)
Family is often where our faith is tested the most. It’s one thing to be patient with a stranger. It’s another thing to respond kindly when your toddler throws oatmeal across the room or your teenager slams a door. But if the Kingdom of God is truly near, shouldn’t it appear in our homes first?
Paul's words are aimed at fathers, but the principle stretches across parenting roles and family relationships. Don’t lead with frustration. Don’t parent out of fear. Instead, create a home where God’s voice shapes our responses.
Paul Tripp, pastor, author and speaker recognized for applying scriptural truths to everyday life, writes, Parenting is about being God’s ambassadors in the lives of our children. We’re not the ultimate authority—they belong to God. Ambassadors represent someone or something larger than themselves in authority or influence. We’re God’s representatives in our family. We come in the name and the power of God to our homes.
The Kingdom doesn’t come through perfection—it comes through presence. Showing up. Listening well. Owning our mistakes. Asking for forgiveness when we mess up. That’s Kingdom culture. It’s not about making kids behave so they reflect well on us. It’s about helping them know the love and truth of a God who is slow to anger and rich in love.
Sometimes Kingdom work looks like bedtime prayers, sticky notes of encouragement, or sitting quietly together after an argument. It’s not flashy. Those little moments plant big seeds.
APPLICATION: Think about a recent moment in your home when you could have responded differently. Invite God into your parenting or leadership today.
PRAYER: Write a prayer related to this devotional topic. Begin by addressing our Father, add two to three sentences, and then end with Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?