Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:5-11
Memory verse: Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”
God’s principles are eternal, relevant to every generation and should be hallowed. Violating them will hinder us from experiencing changes we crave in our lives and those around us. One principle is found in Proverbs 13:24, “spare the rod and spoil the child” and “foolishness is in the heart of a child and only the rod will drive it out.” Many people disagree with the instructions in these verses. They believe it shouldn’t be taken literally, rather they cry to God to change their children.
Another thing people do is try to reason with children as young as seven years to do the right thing. Unfortunately, at that age, they are too young to change their behavior through reasoning. However, they understand consequences . Most parents opt for reasoning because they feel spanking is painful for both parties.
God will never do what he has asked us to do. He is too good a father that he will not do for us what he has empowered us to do. Parents have been given the responsibility to discipline their children. When we don’t, it affects them adversely. When I grew up, parents, disciplined their children. I don’t know any of my peers who became emotionally traumatized because they got a spanking. Today, we honor our parents because they were adults enough to disciple us. There was no seating in a naughty chair or time outs as forms of disciple.
The trainings we received have made us who we are. Psychology does not have the answer to disciple but the Bible does. For parents who still hold onto the Bible standards and feel all alone, be encouraged, you will reap a great reward in the years to come. The word always works. Finally, remember to discipline in love not anger because the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. If you show love and discipline, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for you and your child.