June 14, 2005

 

He who spares his rod hates his son,

But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

                                      --Proverbs 13:24

 

I believe as parents we should start early in disciplining our children. If we do this, then we’ll be less likely to have to discipline them later on. And we do it because we love them. I think my mother must have loved me a lot more than she loved my older brother. But the Scripture says we’re corrected by God the Father because He loves us (see Hebrews 12:6).

 

In Proverbs 22:15 the Bible says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” While your child will make mistakes, you should clarify their correction to help them understand why they’re being disciplined. While it speaks of the rod, discipline is never to be accomplished with anger. This is where it gets tough—trying to discipline your children without blowing your top.

 

Sometimes when we hear about spanking, the first thing we think of is child abuse. But we’re talking about guiding them and giving them correction when they need it. The Scripture specifically says, “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell” (Proverbs 23:13-14).

 

If you don’t restrain your child, they will ultimately become a rebel. That’s serious. You may think, “I just love him or her too much to spank them.” No, you don’t love them enough. Sure, spankings should be few and far between. In my home, we’ve made it the practice to only spank when the fault was major. But of course when you do this, reassure them of your love and that the reason why you’re doing it is to teach them the way of God.

 

The Bible is filled with words of wisdom on disciplining your children. Proverbs 29:15 and 17 say, “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. … Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”

 

Be fair in the discipline of your children. “Because I said so” is not a good enough reason for correction. Your child deserves an answer as to why they are being corrected. Teaching them the ways of the Lord and they will ultimately thank you later on for loving them enough. Care enough about your child and take time to show them the right way when they’re going in the wrong direction.

 

DISCIPLINE IS ALWAYS A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH

  PARTIES BUT IT WILL ULTIMATELY PRODUCE HONOR AND BLESSINGS.