Raising Them Right

“Correct your son, and he will give you rest.” Pr 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” (Pr 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…Later…it produces…righteousness and peace” (Heb 12:11 NIV). A two-year-old shouting “No!” may seem cute today, but wait until he’s seventeen and cursing you out like a drunken sailor. The Bible says, “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away” (Pr 22:15 NLT). 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.

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