The Bible tells us to discipline our kids, but it is hard at times. You may be tired of trying to correct the same bad behavior over and over, you may be discouraged, and you may just be tired. Disciplining a child can be tough, especially over the long haul. On top of all that, as your child grows, the issues get bigger and they may become even more strong willed making disciplining them even harder.
But here’s the thing you need to remember, not disciplining your kids is a huge mistake. That choice leads to major problems down the road—for them, for the people around them, and for you as parents.
The Bible gives us a sad example of this through Israel’s high priest Eli. He had two sons who served in the priesthood who were sinful, unbelievers, and treated the offerings made to God with contempt (1 Sam 2:17). On top of all, they were sexually promiscuous with the women serving in God’s house (1 Sam 2:22). Their behavior wasn’t a secret and had been happening for a while since Scripture tells us Eli kept hearing about what they were doing (1 Sam 2:22).
These sons would have been well over 30 years old at this point, so it’s likely that the foundation of proper discipline was never laid when they were younger.
When Eli finally confronted them, what did he do? He simply lectured them (1 Sam 2:23-25) instead of disciplining them by removing them from priesthood. As high priest, Eli had the authority to discipline them with removal. He didn’t.
Because of Eli’s failure to act, God judged Eli’s son’s and they died (1 Sam 2:34; 1 Sam 4:11).
Eli’s failure to train and discipline his sons properly led to their poor choices in life which cost them their lives, impacted the Israelites they served, and affected the women serving with them, and their dad. Not disciplining your children properly will lead to troubles in their lives and possibly yours and the people they meet.
Be strong and train your children properly with love, patience, consistency, training, and discipline. Do not be afraid to discipline your children when they do wrong … they won’t die but they might if you don’t discipline them.
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (Pv 13:24)
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. (Pv 22:15)
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14 If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. (Pv 23:13-14)
You are not disciplining your children to hurt them; you are doing it to save them.
Think about it
Is there something in your children’s life that you haven’t corrected through discipline?
Are you hesitant to discipline your children? Why? Is it because you don’t want to be the ‘bad guy’, or it’s too hard, or you’re too tired?
Do you realize what’s at stake in your children’s life if you don’t discipline bad behavior?
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (Pv 13:24)
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. (Pv 22:15)
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14 If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. (Pv 23:13-14)
You are not disciplining your children to hurt them; you are doing it to save them.
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 