Growing Children Of Destiny! (3)

(Family Success)

 

Welcome to a fruitful time in the presence of God. Last time, I shed light on The Rod Of Discipline. Let me make it clear that undisciplined parents cannot discipline their children effectively. You must be careful to practise what you preach.  Remember, an ounce of example is worth a ton of preaching, and children have more need of models than critics.

If you tolerate a flaw in a child, it will remain.  A child, unlike an adult, does not see far enough to produce his own self-control. Therefore, this week I will be discussing: The Rod Of Discipline (2) and I will be looking at the Types of Rods of Discipline.

The Spiritual Rod: The spiritual rod is the Word of God. It is the strongest rod you can use in disciplining your child. The Word has the in-built capability to change and transform life. The Word of God can reach into the soul and spirit of a man, penetrating deep into places where a physical rod cannot go.

 The Bible says: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12 NIV). What a great tool for discipline!

How can the Word of God be effectively used for discipline?

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (2Timothy 3:16-17)

If your child misbehaves, rather than beating, locate an appropriate scripture and sit him down. Show him from the Word of God why his deed or attitude is wrong and why he must change. Trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words and appropriate illustrations.  This is essential, because the child needs to understand that his negative action is displeasing to God and that there is need for him to repent and ask God for forgiveness. 

Give the child room to accept his fault, all the while trusting the Holy Spirit to convict him. If you do that, even when you are absent physically, the Spirit of God will keep working on his conscience.I want to challenge you to use more of the spiritual rod than the physical; it has a more lasting effect.

The Physical Rod: The physical rod is the cane. There's an adage that says, "Spare the rod and spoil the child." The Bible also supports the use of cane. Prov 23:13-14 says: 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.

Please note, never form a habit of always beating your child with a cane. But spanking a child should be very occasional, or else the child becomes hardened. You must never beat your child out of anger; otherwise it would be just to placate your anger. If you have to beat your child at all, make sure you explain to him the reason for your actions.  Make sure he knows love is behind it. At all times, the spiritual rod (the Word of God) should be applied first before you ever think of applying the physical rod (the cane).

It takes being a child of God to truly comprehend how to grow your children into destiny. If you are not yet born again and you would like to, please pray this simple prayer: Dear Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner needing Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in Your Book of Life. Thank You Lord for saving me.

Congratulations!  You are now born again and a child of God.