‘Correct your son, and he will give you rest.’ Proverbs 29:17 NKJV
If a corrected child gives you rest, an uncorrected one will give you no rest. You can’t take them anywhere, or leave them anywhere. Solomon says, ‘He who loves [his son] is careful to discipline him.’ (Proverbs 13:24 NIV) Child abuse is reprehensible—and so is child neglect. Without discipline, you condition your child for a life of heartache. When they’re stopped by the police for speeding or contacted by the bank for defaulting on a loan, throwing a tantrum won’t get them off the hook. Please think of their future! God disciplines His children; are you wiser than He is? The Bible says, ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.’ (Hebrews 12:11 NIV) A two-year-old shouting ‘No!’ may seem cute today, but wait until he’s seventeen and cursing you out with abuse and defiance. The Bible says, ‘All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change.’ (Proverbs 22:15 CEV) Rebellion is part of their DNA, and it’s your job to drive it out. When a parent says, ‘This is hurting me more than you,’ what does a rebellious child think? ‘Then let’s change places!’ Yes, it’s hard to discipline them when your time with them is so limited; but their future is in your hands. A child without boundaries is like a house without walls. It’s like living in a carport; there’s no protection from outside influences. Nobody feels safe. So talk to God today. He’s a Father—He has children of His own and He will help you to raise yours right.
SoulFood: Rom 9:17–11:36, Luke 5:27–39, Ps 100, Pro 3:7–8
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
