Proverbs 3:11-12
Let’s be honest here, no parent loves to discipline their kids. Quite frankly, it can be the most challenging part of parenting. However, discipline is not just beneficial; it’s essential. In Proverbs 3:11-12, it says, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” God shows us that discipline isn’t the opposite of love, it’s proof of it. Understanding this will change things for you. When we start to see discipline this way, it will stop feeling like punishment and start looking more like love in action.
So, how do we actually live this out and use discipline to guide our children towards God? Arguably, the most important way to do this is through spiritual correction. Spiritual correction in parenthood is about shaping our children’s hearts, rather than just managing their behavior. It’s teaching them to understand God’s truth and helping them to learn that discipline comes from a place of love, not anger. This won’t always come naturally. This is something I’ve had to learn (and am still learning) in my own parenting. It can be difficult as an adult to learn something you didn’t have modeled for you when you were younger. Growing up, my parents did not teach us to see discipline as a form of love. Discipline in our house was that if you did wrong, you received a consequence. We didn’t get the opportunity to be shown a better way to do things, we just received the consequences and were expected not to do it again. When I became a mom, I knew I wanted to discipline differently. But it wasn’t just disciplining differently; it was using a calmer tone, taking the time to teach her the correct behavior, and showing her grace.
Most importantly, teaching her that we can show God’s love through discipline. It is our job as parents to raise our kids to love God. To give them the example of what it means to have a relationship with Christ. Not just occasionally praying, reading your Bible, or taking them to church on special occasions. It is putting Jesus first in EVERYTHING you do! There have been times when I have thought, “It would be nice if parenting came with a manual!” But the thing is, we have something better! God’s word gives us everything we need to raise our children to know, love, and serve the Lord faithfully. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
So, how do we actually live this out and use discipline to guide our children towards God? Arguably, the most important way to do this is through spiritual correction. Spiritual correction in parenthood is about shaping our children’s hearts, rather than just managing their behavior. It’s teaching them to understand God’s truth and helping them to learn that discipline comes from a place of love, not anger. This won’t always come naturally. This is something I’ve had to learn (and am still learning) in my own parenting. It can be difficult as an adult to learn something you didn’t have modeled for you when you were younger. Growing up, my parents did not teach us to see discipline as a form of love. Discipline in our house was that if you did wrong, you received a consequence. We didn’t get the opportunity to be shown a better way to do things, we just received the consequences and were expected not to do it again. When I became a mom, I knew I wanted to discipline differently. But it wasn’t just disciplining differently; it was using a calmer tone, taking the time to teach her the correct behavior, and showing her grace.
Most importantly, teaching her that we can show God’s love through discipline. It is our job as parents to raise our kids to love God. To give them the example of what it means to have a relationship with Christ. Not just occasionally praying, reading your Bible, or taking them to church on special occasions. It is putting Jesus first in EVERYTHING you do! There have been times when I have thought, “It would be nice if parenting came with a manual!” But the thing is, we have something better! God’s word gives us everything we need to raise our children to know, love, and serve the Lord faithfully. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
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