"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke" (Proverbs 13:1).
The Word of God, which is the Bible, tells us that discipline is very important for training toward righteousness. Although no one likes to be disciplined, a Godly discipline actually comes from a place of love.
And having love is basically the driving force of parents to teach their children the right way of living.
Throughout Scripture, God teaches and leads us, "His children," away from sin and toward holiness through discipline.
Parents are expected to throw some good seeds to their children by setting a good example to them. In other words, "practice what you preach and walk your talk."
Kids are quite sensitive on this issue; they wanted to see first from their parents what it means to live a holy and righteous life that ultimately means obeying the ways of Jesus. Such good character traits may include saying nice things and practicing self-control by avoiding cursing; being honest and building integrity in everything you do; showing kindness, mercy and love; being faithful to your spouse; knowing the importance of patience; developing sincerity; learning to fear and love God; being fair with everyone; knowing how to be determined and optimistic; showing respect to everyone; among others.
For sure, all these good traits cannot be attained by one's own wisdom since we often fail in so many ways. But it is rather through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, that gives us the grace and ability to perform the right things that are pleasing in God's sight.
Pastor Dan Walker of Life Church in St. Louis said discipline is not merely punishment for wrongs committed. He explained that discipline is actually about training the child by discipling in God's ways.
In Hebrews 12:6, it tells us that "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
In fact, the preacher said, every child of God will be chastised by their Father to help them grow and mature. He described discipline or chastisement as a painful experience that teaches the child to avoid doing what they had done wrong in the future.
"The goal of God's discipline and parental discipline is to see the heart of the child changed by God," Walker said.
As a practical application of discipline that works at any age, Pastor Walker shared the following points:
* Show to your child his disobedience from God's Word, the Bible. The child must understand that disobeying doesn't only affect the parents, but God as well.
* Give the child an opportunity to repent and ask for forgiveness, both from you and God.
* Administer discipline. Obviously, it is God's way of training his children and is the way that every godly parent should train their children as well. Furthermore, discipline is what causes a child to mature and become a fully committed disciple of Jesus. Discipline administered by godly parents with prayer can change a child's heart by causing them to be obedient, both to their parents and to God.
* Assure the child about your love wherein discipline in obedience to God's Word is for the good in mind. Thus, discipline always should involve a better amount of teaching and should often be sprinkled with love.
Ana Williams is a columnist for The Graham Star.