Dare to discipline

READ: Zephaniah 1-3; Proverbs 22; Revelation 12

SCRIPTURE:  Proverbs 22: 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

OBSERVATION: Former Indian President A.P.J Abdul Kalam loved to spend time with children and students. He encouraged them to dream about their future and often said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” For him, “Dream is not that you see in sleep; Dream is something that does not let you sleep.” All students in primary schools enthusiastically answer with high ambitions about what they want to be in the future. However, very few of them succeed in their ambition. Though various factors are involved, a disciplined life is essential for success in anything. Proverb 22:6 teaches us that we must educate and train our children for their future.

In today’s world, children spend more time with electronic gadgets than with their parents. Many parents are confused with many worldly ideas and dreams about their children's future and try to impose them on their kids. As Christian parents, we have the responsibility to give godly instruction to our children and train them to learn the word of God when they have their school education. It is always good for children to develop and train their lives with godly principles. Many parents are afraid to correct and discipline their children for various reasons. Christian educator Howard Hendricks offers a wise suggestion, "Your primary concern is not what they think of you now, but what they will think 20 years from now." The bible says that a loving father/mother would discipline their children (Heb.12:5-11). It is better to discipline them now than regret later. More than any available books on parenting, the bible offers the best parenting principles to show love and help to grow to be helpful for all. Heb.12:11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

There are many examples of successful godly parenting in the Bible and history. Parents are the first teachers to their children. We forget that they primarily learn from their parents. Many Christians consider that Pro.22:6 is a promise. However, it is a biblical principle and warning for us to live a godly life and train our children accordingly. In our churches and homes, we must do our best for the children to help them know God and his word and follow them sincerely.

APPLICATION:  As a child of God, I must follow God and obey his discipline. I must practice self-discipline before I suggest it to others. Godly discipline brings a godly generation. I should never undermine godly parenting. I must practice and preach godly disciplines that bless all.

 PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for your love that corrects me. Lord, give me the heart to obey your words and train our children to grow in godly discipline. Holy Spirit, help me to raise a godly generation for God’s glory. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day – 355

(Tamil version of this devotion is posted here)