That's what God did to Israel when in the wilderness they behaved badly. They didn't trust God's promise, see God's vision, believe God's directions. They were lost in the wilderness for 40 years, not because someone had the map upside down or that they wouldn't listen to the women, but because God grounded them. I bet you never thought of it that way before.
There are many types of discipline, some much more controversial than others and I'm not planning on getting in to that discussion here today (unless someone wants to push it), but I do want to make sure we understand that discipline is a part of our job as parents. "God disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child." (Exodus 8:5, The Message). It is a given, an expectation, it's our job, our responsibility and we must take it seriously.
I've met many parents who have not taken this duty to their children seriously. In fact, it is common today for parents to step in and defend their child even when they've done wrong. It is incredible the things we teach our children and to teach them that to do wrong without any consequences is preparing for disaster!
I think that many parents do this (failing to discipline) because they want to be liked by their children. I understand that. I hate it when my kids give me that look of disdain, but I am satisfied to know that I've done the right thing and that one day (maybe soon) they will understand that. I've got to know that doing the right thing is the best thing. I'm the parent, not the best friend, or the favorite uncle. Discipline is on my shoulders. If I don't do it, no body else will. "This will hurt me more than it hurts you," "I do this because I love you." are valid arguments not trite phrases. Use them! Believe them! Be brave, be bold and love your children better than ever. Discipline them.
They will grow up to thank you and love you more than you ever thought possible.
Peace ><>
PC
2 comments:
This is the discipline that Lar and I used in raising our boys. We lovingly set rules that they needed to abide by and they did most often. If they didn't, there were fair consequences that they knew about beforehand. We all learned by the mistakes made by the boys or by us, because sometimes we were wrong too. As with God, we all loved each other anyway.
By the way, I know we have been gone a few weeks traveling, but...what is your picture about!?
It's a picture of me at camp, in a "sumo suit" wrestling with some kids. It's kind of silly, but a whole lot of fun.
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