THE WAY OF DISCIPLINE

`Proverbs 13:1-25     

Saturday, 05 October 2024

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

What does ‘discipline’ mean to you? Every parent has a different perspective about discipline on their children; even the worldview is a far outcry from former times. 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.

An advice 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. A parent who does not correct his/her child is setting up for a life of indulgence which is detrimental to a successful life. A wise and affectionate parent will correct the child’s wayward behavior diligently and in love.

Proverbs 13:24 in no uncertain terms says that a parent who unduly indulges his child and refrains from chastising him, hates him. Further, there is a consequence the parents bear for not disciplining 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 typical example is seen in 1Samuel 2, of Eli the High Priest who failed to exercise firm correction in the sinful actions of his two sons which was a constant grief to Eli in his old age. Parents have the God-given responsibility to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4:  Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

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.

Hardships and trials are God’s way of molding us. It is time then to examine ourselves to see if what God is trying to teach us. Sometimes God disciplines us to redirect us from our wandering ways or to purge a haughty attitude and at 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 of the Lord where we have fallen short. Prov.12:1 exhorts: “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction”. May the trials and disciplining in our lives produce in us a spiritual maturity and a renewed relationship with our Heavenly Father (James 1:2-4).

Quote 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)