If we claim to be following His Word, we cannot be among those who say that children require no discipline for bad attitudes. If we had good parents, they disciplined us lovingly and we respected them (Hebrews 12:9-10).
“Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness” (Hebrews 12:9, 10).
Notice how the Bible writes about parents assuming that they have disciplined their children? For those of us who have been disciplined correctly, becoming conformed to Christ’s image has been easier for us as adults because of the training of our parents when we were young. It has ended now, but the fruit of those efforts remains.
And don’t be mistaken, you are still subject to discipline when you have a bad attitude. God is our Father and – just like any loving parent – He doesn’t want us to suffer the eternal consequences of undisciplined behaviour (Hebrews 12:5, 6).
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5, 6)
God is grace and love. Yet, while we need to remind ourselves of this, we desperately need reminding that God is also holiness, righteousness, and justice.
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off” (Romans 11:22).
Grace and love are not found exclusive to discipline and expectations. Grace teaches (Titus 2:11, 12). Love instructs (Ephesians 4:15, 16; Romans 15:14). Where grace and love are present, loving correction is absolutely vital. If we are to become more like God and love as He loves, we will show love to our children with affection, fairness, discipline, and grace to the end that they will be holy and righteous.
If children do not receive the proper discipline and guidance from you now then they are going to have a much harder time figuring it all out on their own later. That’s why a lack of discipline is unloving – it leaves the immature to try to work things out on their own. God doesn’t leave us to figure everything out on our own, so why are we intent on doing that to our children?
Let’s start parenting the way that God parents. People have been wrong before – but God’s way has always been proven to be right.
Let’s give the next generation a head start. Stop listening to what pop psychology has to say about raising your child, and start digging in His book for wisdom on how to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
I personally would choose God’s wisdom and foresight over the fleeting opinions of popular psychology any day.
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:5-11).