Proverbs 13:24 reads, “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”
The world calls good evil, and applauds evil as good. Tragically, the result of those carnal beliefs is manifested in our young. Show me a rebellious child, and I will show you a child struggling under the weight of guilt from wrongs never dealt with.
In the ancient world, it was universally accepted that child-rearing involved correction. No parent relishes disciplining their child. Yet any parent who overrides the mandate of scripture to correct them has borrowed from the hope of the future to appease the demands of the moment. Discipline is a painful, but a necessary component for a healthy society. Without it, we cannot expect children to grow into adults respectful of God’s ordained authority in any sphere of life.
We must correct our children, but let’s teach them as we do it. King Solomon told his son, “I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in right paths” (Proverbs 4:10-11). The Hebrew word “taught” means to pour, lay a foundation, erect, or establish. Building strong foundations isn’t easy, but if we love our children, we will use instruction and discipline to develop the right way in their lives.
My earthly father corrected my wrongdoings; I am alive today because he did. And my heavenly Father is faithful to chastise me when needed. Mom and Dad, do you care enough about your child’s future to build their character by consistent, balanced, and patient discipline? I pray you do. Discipline is an affirmation of your love.
