Colossians 3:20-21 NKJV

[20] Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

It's been a long time since I was a child. I don't mind admitting that I wasn't the easiest child to raise. I pushed limits. I was stubborn and disobedient. I broke the rules a lot. This habitual disobedience has been hard to break as a middle-aged adult.

God has taught me a lot through my foolishness. I have learned the value of childlike obedience (even as an older guy). I have experienced God's beautiful grace, which has taught me how to extend it (as a father myself). One of the most encouraging experiences I have had as an adult is the love and grace the Lord has given to me. It's my job as a dad to do as my Father does.