- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,538
He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early. Proverbs 13:24 AMPC
Most four-year-old's lack the self-discipline to choose good attitudes when they don’t get what they want, to obey all the rules set down by their parents, or to prioritize tasks by importance rather than by entertainment value. (Many adults also lack self-discipline in these areas.)
When children’s lack of self-discipline results in misbehavior, parents need to step in and lovingly correct them. This doesn’t mean hitting them with a literal rod—or spanking or hitting them in general—and it definitely doesn’t mean punishing them while you are upset. Loving disciplinary measures are carefully implemented so kids change their attitudes in addition to their behavior.
If parents shirk their duties in disciplining their children, their kids may think rules don’t apply to them. They will grow up to be fools who hate any kind of discipline, including self-discipline.
The goal of parenting is to raise kids who not only follow God’s rules but do it for the best reasons. Whether or not you have children, you have an opportunity to model self-discipline to others. Show by example how to choose good attitudes, obey authority, and prioritize well. Teach others to know God so He can help them succeed, just as He helps you.
Prayer: Father, give me the self-discipline I need so I can discipline wisely when needed.
Most four-year-old's lack the self-discipline to choose good attitudes when they don’t get what they want, to obey all the rules set down by their parents, or to prioritize tasks by importance rather than by entertainment value. (Many adults also lack self-discipline in these areas.)
When children’s lack of self-discipline results in misbehavior, parents need to step in and lovingly correct them. This doesn’t mean hitting them with a literal rod—or spanking or hitting them in general—and it definitely doesn’t mean punishing them while you are upset. Loving disciplinary measures are carefully implemented so kids change their attitudes in addition to their behavior.
If parents shirk their duties in disciplining their children, their kids may think rules don’t apply to them. They will grow up to be fools who hate any kind of discipline, including self-discipline.
The goal of parenting is to raise kids who not only follow God’s rules but do it for the best reasons. Whether or not you have children, you have an opportunity to model self-discipline to others. Show by example how to choose good attitudes, obey authority, and prioritize well. Teach others to know God so He can help them succeed, just as He helps you.
Prayer: Father, give me the self-discipline I need so I can discipline wisely when needed.
