What does ‘discipline’ mean to you? Every parent has a different perspective about discipline, but God’s Word is very clear on the subject of discipline. Proverbs 13:24 bears a powerful message about discipline to parents as well as to all believers.

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To Parents: when you see a behavior that needs correction in your children, do not overlook it. Parents who are inclined to overvalue and be protective of their child’s behavior need to understand that, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15) The inherent Adamic sin nature in all mankind tends to make our children rebellious and willful. An affectionate parent will correct the child’s wayward ways, diligently and in love. 

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Proverbs 13:24 in definite terms says that a parent who unduly indulges his child and refrains from disciplining him, hates him. Further, there is a consequence the parents bear for not correcting the child.  “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15).  A classic example is seen in 1Samuel 2, of Eli the High Priest who failed to exercise firm parental authority in correcting the sinful actions of his two sons which was a constant grief to Eli in his old age (John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible). God’s word is to be imparted to them constantly as they grow up: "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deut.11:19) Parents have the God-given responsibility to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

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We correct our children with a desire to improve their character.  How much more does our Father in heaven desire to see us transformed into the image of His Son! Our Heavenly Father sets the same standards in disciplining us – His children. “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.” (Deuteronomy 8:5) Every child of God undergoes discipline and training in the Father’s loving hands. The author of Hebrews reminds us: “It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5-7). Disciplining in our life is an indication of the Father’s deep love for us and His work of sanctification in us.

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Hardships and trials are God’s way of molding us.  At times God disciplines us to redirect us from our wandering ways or to purge a haughty attitude and other times to perfect us in Christ-like character and encourage us in our spiritual growth. When the hand of the Lord feels heavy upon us, let us submit in His presence and seek the Lord to point to us where we have fallen short. Then may we correct our ways and yield to His guiding. May the trials and disciplining in our lives produce in us a spiritual maturity and a renewed relationship with our Father in heaven (James 1:2-4).

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Thought for the Day:

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline

and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines

those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

(Proverbs 3:11-12)