DISCIPLINING CHILDREN

What does the Bible say about the subject? I believe that God knows more about discipline that all of us put together. He is the original author. Some of us may think we know more.

The Bible teaches that physical discipline is appropriate, beneficial, and necessary. I want to make it clear that I am not talking about child abuse of which I do not condone.

When children left to themselves they will do what all people left to themselves in a fallen world will do.  They’ll make bad decisions that produce pain and turmoil in their lives and in the lives of others.

Discipline is evidence of love.

Some claim that physical discipline such as spanking is the only method the Bible supports. Others insist that “time-outs” and other punishments that do not involve physical discipline are far more effective.

Here are a few of the verses that refer to discipline in the Bible. It is a few of many.

Proverbs 22:6 Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”

Proverbs 13:24; 23:13 The proverbial “rod” must be applied to prevent bad attitudes and acts from becoming habits.

Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV) 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Proverbs 15:32 (NKJV) 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

Discipline brings hope, life, peace and character to a child because it drives out foolish notions such as “The world revolves around me. I am the most important and I must have my way. No one else matters.” A lack of discipline wrongly teaches children that there are no consequences to their choices.

I look at the difference between my generation (1930’s) and today’s generation and I sadly see disrespect for others. During the time I mentioned, our society has gone downhill for what I believe is a lack of discipline and it has gotten worse as each generation passed by. All you have to do is read or watch the news.

I’m not saying that all children and young people belong in the above group. There are parents that still hold fast to discipline and you can see the difference. The major problem is that disciplined children have to contend with undisciplined children in many ways.

God gave us His instructions on discipline as outlined in the Bible. If we fail to heed His advice, then we must answer for our neglect. According to what I have read and understand, we will receive His discipline and then we will then know our misunderstanding of discipline. I don’t believe we will get a time out or other punishment in lieu of a spanking.

I would like to know what you think. May the Lord bless those that follow God’s Word.