Giving children the gift of discipline gives them the boundaries to be able to move into self-discipline. If you have 'acted out' good behaviour it is more likely that you can exercise good behaviour. If you imitate good writing, you eventually can write well. If you imitate good dancing, you will learn to dance well. 

 

To be obedient to your parents' discipline is an exercise in self-discipline on its own. When Mom says no more snacking until dinner, our children show incredible restraint to be able to curb their hunger and wait for dinner. I could do with a bit more self-discipline in that myself! Obedience is good exercise for developing self-discipline.

 

Furthermore, the bible teaches us, "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." (Proverbs 3:11-12) 

 

We are to parent with the same form of love: "Whoever spares the rod hates their children,  but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24) 

 

Why? Why is it kind and loving to discipline? Because "a rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother." (Proverbs 29:15)

 

And wisdom is everything! Wisdom is life! We MUST give our children wisdom - the ability to know right from wrong and the courage and self-discipline to CHOOSE right!

 

Look how valuable wisdom is: (I know that sometimes when you see scripture quoted, your eyes just skim over it, but it is just so important to have a conviction of what we are trying to give our children.)

 

Proverbs 4:4-9

Get Wisdom at Any Cost

 

4 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

    pay attention and gain understanding.

2 I give you sound learning,

    so do not forsake my teaching.

3 For I too was a son to my father,

    still tender, and cherished by my mother.

4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,

    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;

    keep my commands, and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding;

    do not forget my words or turn away from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

    love her, and she will watch over you.

7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

    Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

    embrace her, and she will honor you.

9 She will give you a garland to grace your head

    and present you with a glorious crown.”

 

Proverbs 3:13-27

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

 

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,

    those who gain understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver

    and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;

    nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;

    in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,

    and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;

    those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,

    by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,

    and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,

    preserve sound judgment and discretion;

22 they will be life for you,

    an ornament to grace your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety,

    and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Have no fear of sudden disaster

    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the Lord will be at your side

    and will keep your foot from being snared.

 

 

We want our children to live fully, to be protected, to succeed, to have long life, riches and honour. If we can give them that through disciplining them and training them, what loving parent would dare to neglect to do so?

 

Our well-trained, well-taught, well-disciplined children will become wise adults with godly character. The bible teaches us that this is so. Let's give it our best and  be consistent and determined in our loving discipline.

 

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