Leaders influence people toward behaviors consistent with their destinies. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Intentionally motivate one another to love and good behaviors.” The sense of the word “stimulate” would include poking someone with a sharp stick in a way that stirs them to move in a certain direction. In this metaphoric sense, the “stimulation” comes by leadership influence available through assembled or gathered believers with shared kingdom assignment. (That’s why they gather, with purpose.)
Paul uses the same term with the sense of producing the wrong outcome: “Fathers, do not press your children to anger.” That is, “don’t use a form of motivation that frustrates.” Instead, provide leadership filled with nurture and the Lord’s admonition.
Provide the discipline and instruction from the Lord for your children, but do not drive them to anger. In the context of “children, honor your parents,” this discussion of good behavior assumes that leaders bear responsibility to produce good behavior through motivational means characterized by “discipline, prodding, stimulating, and stirring up with a specific, measurable outcome in mind.
