Love Your Children

Proverbs 13:24 NLT Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Proverbs 22:15 KJV Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

I had an interesting interaction last night with my oldest son in which he was standing on his grandparents good living room furniture like it was our basement playroom furniture. I gave him a swift warning that he was to get down and that behavior wasn't acceptable. After waiting for a response of him obeying that command there was no movement to follow that word, so I told him yet again in the same firm but low tone of voice that he was to get down.

Then after that was not followed, I said a third time in a more raised voice with a sharper tone to get down off of the furniture, to which he quickly complied and then got upset at the way that I spoke to him and said that he didn't like it when I talked to him that way. I told him that I didn't like having to talk to him that way, but that it was necessary because he didn't follow the direction the previous two times I gave it. After he left, I told his grandpa that I truly don't like having to do that, but it does say in Proverbs that a man who spares the rod, hates his child.

I think that one of the most difficult tasks in parenting is disciplining your children. I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, so if I sound like a rookie or a novice, please forgive me. My wife and I have struggled in this area and haven't always seen eye to eye on methods and thresholds of what behavior to discipline. We are learning as we walk through this and believe that a child has security in a home where the boundaries are very clear.

Beyond the notes on disciplining of children falls into the child of God's discipline in being a doer of the Word of God. As the Bible give instruction in parenting, we are to follow the instructions given. How willing are you to do the Word in your daily life. A child's willingness to follow directions usually falls in line with what they see and hear in the home as a parent models submission to authority themselves. I've heard pastor says several times that if a child hears a parent talk about the unfairness of a boss and how they do things behind their bosses back, the children will think that kind of behavior is what needs to get done when they don't feel like following the rules.

We parents set the example. The best example we can set is our willingness to submit to authorities and especially the Word of God. We do well to do this so as not to set roadblocks in our children's lives. This is good as I've needed a reminder in this area.