Introductory Thoughts
Far too often what is done in the home under the guise of chastening is far from God’s scriptural pattern of discipline. This is nothing new. According to Hebrews 12:10, the Jewish fathers were guilty of chastening their children “after their own pleasure.” Two major problems commonly surface in the discipline implemented in the home: (1) the reason for correction and (2) the motive in correction. According to God’s pattern, parents should never discipline their children because of an annoyance but because of a direct violation of a known law. This is God’s way and should be the consistent practice of godly parents. In addition to this, godly parents should follow God’s pattern and chasten in love for the sake of the child.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): In Psalm 89:30-33, God Himself tells us the proper reason for disciplining. It also reminds us that through it all, God loves us.
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(For everyone): Do you have any children? What drives you to correct them? Do you only offer chastening when they get on your nerves? Do you correct them because they upset you? Are these proper reasons?
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How could the balance in reasoning for chastening and motive in chastening solve the problems with child abuse or the absence of disciplining altogether?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to strengthen your home with biblical principles.
- Thank the Lord for a godly home where love is prominent.
Song
O! TO BE LIKE THEE
