XIn the last newsletter I wrote about helping our children develop and maintain Godly character. The article discussed the importance of setting limits in the areas of entertainment, chores, snack food, bed times and attitudes. I am sure we could find more areas where limits need to be set, but this article will try to answer what to do when children do not or will not stay within the limits that have been set.
XConsistent and loving discipline is what is needed to keep a child within set limits. This is easy to say but always more difficult to do. What form of discipline is correct? Should we use corporal punishment or is “timeout” good enough? None of us want to hurt our children, so what do we do? I suggest seeking guidance from God’s Word.
XIn Proverbs there are several verses which will answer these questions. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Chasten thy son while there is still hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Nobody enjoy spanking his children, but according to God’s Word it must be done. The old saying, “This is going to hurt me more than it is you” is true! Proverbs 3:2 4 says, “He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” God says if we love our children we will chasten them with the tod. God goes on to say in Proverbs 3:3-4, “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” Do not be confused, God is not telling you to abuse or mistreat the children that He has entrusted to your care. He is simply telling you to spank your children in a controlled and loving manner so as to teach them right from wrong. You are preparing them to be God’s servants.
XMany parents wonder, “When is it appropriate to spank our child?” The answer is whenever your child tells you, “No”, or whenever he directly disobeys what you have said. As the parent, you will have to decide if the offense in question is the result of a defiant attitude toward your authority. If it is a defiant attitude, then follow God’s teaching in Proverbs 23:13-14, if more than a reprimand is needed.
XThe most important part of discipline is that you administer it consistently and in love. Children need to know that your actions are out of love and a desire to do what is best for them. It also must be clear that they cannot negotiate they way out of trouble.
XWorldly discipline says never to spank your children, but to use “time out” instead. It is not surprising that many Godly parents wonder if a “time out” should replace a spanking. Remember that God said in Proverbs 1 3:2 4, “He that spareth the rod hateth his son...” Proverbs 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother shame.”
XA “time out” gives a child time to fester his anger and think things that he should n ot be thinking. Sometimes without meaning to, parents open up a fertile playground for the Devil. Consistent, loving discipline is not easy but it is the key to helping your child develop Godly, Christian character. Your children must know that you love them enough to set limits and enforce those limits with appropriate, God-given discipline when necessary.
X May God help you to raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord so that we may provide Him with a willing, righteous servant


Educating for Eternity,
Bro. Rob Stewart