Discipline in the Home
by Irven Lee
Children
do not have the ability at birth to understand the language of their
parents. We all realize this, but we should also understand that these
little people do not know the commonly accepted rules of etiquette, nor do
they recognize property rights. Each child seems to assume that anything he
finds and likes belongs to him. Only gradually does he learn that some
things are his and that other things are the property of others. The
innocent child does not, of course, have any sense of discernment between
what is morally right and what is wrong. Because of parental failure to
guide or train the children many young people never come to have a definite
code of morals or sensitive consciences to guide them in the way of
righteousness.
While many are not
trained to discern between good and evil, they could have been trained. They
are as capable of developing faith, godliness, and spiritual wisdom as they
are of developing physical skills and language skills from people about
them. Some parents take an interest in helping their children to develop the
ability to earn a living but not much concern to teach them how to live.
There are many who are skilled in athletics, music, and in various aspects
of business that are as ignorant of spiritual values as the brute beast from
the jungle
(2
Pet. 2:12, KJV).
That which is most important is lacking.
Parents must have the
respect of their children or they cannot convey the value of their own
knowledge and experience to them. Love, instruction, personal attention, and
the proper example from parents can go a long way toward obtaining this
respect. To make their word authoritative, the chastening rod is recommended
by the word of God. This is not physical or mental abuse, but it is not
always pleasant to the one who is disciplined or to the one who is
administering it. Even the Lord chastens those He loves.
"My son, despise not
thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for
whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he
receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for
what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without
chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave
them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of
spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their
own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his
holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but
grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable f' lit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby"
(Heb. 12:5-11).
We may not be able to
identify the occasions when the loving heavenly Father is chastening us. Our
complaining bitter attitude toward things that are beyond our control will
not help. Fortunate children whose fathers love them enough to use the rod
at the proper time and in the proper way grow up with special respect for
their parents. Those undisciplined children cannot be pleased. No
undisciplined child is ever a happy child. He is not self disciplined nor is
he pleasant and cooperative in disposition. Is this not true of the
unrestrained children you know? Love suggests the use of the rod, but not to
the unreasonable point of abuse
(Prov. 13:24; Col. 3:20, 21).
There is the very useful form of discipline that yields the peaceable fruit
of righteousness
(Eph. 6:4; Prov. 13:24).
The punishment the
child receives from his parents should be adequate to bring his will into
subjection. Impulsively hitting the child may only aggravate the rebellious
attitude. Conquer the rebel and be consistent, and there will not need to be
a constant running battle. A good man should have his children in subjection
with all gravity
(1
Tim. 3:4, 5).
There is some "know how" involved in proper discipline. Children are small
for a few years so all parents should develop a skill in the use of
effective discipline. Obedience is one of the greatest lessons to be taught,
and here is where discipline in the home comes into its place of very great
importance. An adult can buffet his own body and bring it into subjection,
but a child lacks the depth of understanding to discipline himself, so his
parents provide wise and effective discipline until he is trained and mature
enough to see the need to control his own fleshly nature.
Guardian of Truth -
February 1983
Other Articles by Irven Lee
Gluttony -- Is it a Sin?
Effects of no Church Disipline