By[18] “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.” — Proverbs 19:18 NIV
As of the time of this writing, I had not married and had no biological child to take care of. However, I had a few spiritual children the Lord had given me to disciple in the ways of the Lord. It hasn’t been easy always being on them every week to teach them God’s Word and supervise their spiritual growth. Now, some can confidently serve the Lord with gladness in their hearts without any iota of regrets for what they do. What they thought life was, was redefined by Jesus; glory to God!
When I remember what had happened to these team members and what God, through Solomon, said in Proverbs 19:18 about disciplining children, I find so much practicality in the scripture. Furthermore, the Word says in Proverbs 22:15 NKJV that,
“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.”
Hence discipline can’t be taken out of the process of successfully raising a child in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Why? Because it’ll eliminate their hearty foolishness.
Every parent knows that sometimes, kids do what’s wrong without them discerning what they are doing is inappropriate. So what? They discipline them, and from time to time, they grow to become responsible adults.
To every parent out there reading this, be it spiritual or biological, be thus reminded that there is hope in disciplining your children. They may behave in obscene ways today, but your consistent correction in God’s ways will form God’s Word in them. Don’t give up!
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the privilege of blessing my life with children (biological or spiritual – confess as in your case) to raise in Christ. Empower me to use the right means to discipline them when they do wrong things as I steward Your inheritance under my care. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 218
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