Friday, June 15, 2007
Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV) He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
IN DEFENSE OF . . . CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE
We live in a world where defenseless human beings are killed daily -- while at the same time it is now possible for pets, animals, to sue their owners for abuse! Should we be surprised then to find that children are told that they don't have to listen to their parents if what they say makes them "feel bad"? Is there any surprise that the social structure God established appears to be crumbling in our country and world? Is there any surprise that "discipline" is now a bad word, considered the opposite of love and equated with abuse?
Thank God that He has, by His Holy Spirit, separated us from our sins and dedicated us to His service. Thank God that He has transformed our minds so that we are enabled to show what is His good and perfect will. Thank God that He has given us His Word, which both mandates and blesses Christian discipline.
As mature Christians we strive to be our children's parents, not their peers. We recognize that our children are a blessing from God, a blessing that requires us to be responsible for their physical and spiritual needs. Thank God that he provides the means to feed both their bodies and souls!
He will also grant us the hearts to exercise Christian discipline. Christian discipline involves using both Law and Gospel. We will teach our children that God demands in His Law that they "honor serve and obey, and give us love and respect." When they disobey (provided we aren't telling them to disobey God) and dishonor us, they sin against God! We will not soft-pedal sin, we dare not.
We correct what is wrong IN GOD'S SIGHT and also teach them that Jesus has atoned for all their sins, by His perfect obedience and willing sacrifice. We will endeavor to show them the love of Christ even when we discipline. We will return to them to confirm not only the reason discipline was necessary, but also our and the Savior's love for them.
Oh, blest the parents who give heed
Unto their children's foremost need
And weary not of care or cost!
May none to them and heav'n be lost!
Blest such a house, it prospers well,
In peace and joy the parents dwell,
And in their children's lot is shown
How richly God can bless His own.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 625:3-4)
