Parenting Dare 13.

Day 13.  Love disciplines.
Know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son.  (Deuteronomy 8:5)

I ave always considered that there is no coincidence is how similar the word "discipline" is to "disciple".  Our children are our very own in home disciples.  It is our job to teach them the bible and guide them into learning how to operate as adults.  They will look to us to see how to behave, yes, but more than that we need to correct them when they are going the wrong way.  I like this chapter, it was full of great verses and guidance.  Discipline is so necessary, even though sometimes we hate to do it and we'd rather take a passive approach.

Here are some of the great verses used.
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord... for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:11-12)
"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24)
"No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11)
And that's just the first page!

The point is, we know as we ourselves are sanctified, God disciplines us as a loving father.  With grace and mercy he shows us the right path, despite our mistakes he is always coming alongside us to show us the right way to go.  It doesn't always feel the greatest and we don't often like to experience the consequences, but the popular term "learn by your mistakes" didn't come from nowhere.
"lasting joys come from practicing good behavior and godly character.  Scripture says our heavenly father 'disciplines us for our good', so that we can mature and be more like Him (Hebrews 12:10."

The book challenges us to evaluate our hearts as to why we maybe don't discipline our children.  Are we more interested in keeping the peace for the moment at the expense of building and strengthening our children's character for the rest of their lives.

"Children do not take seriously parents who lecture, nag, and threaten but never follow through with any punishment worth fearing.  Actions and consequences give weight to your words." There is such a delicate balance though.  Being abusive or yelling constantly at unruly children isn't discipline at all.  How would we respond to a "loving" God if he simply smacked us across the face or yelled at us pointing out our flaw but not offering another option? "discipline must be balanced out with patience, grace, and mercy... explain your decisions lovingly, clearly, and fairly, knowing that kids can sour if you're operating our of controlled anger".

Parenting takes work and it's not always enjoyable and easy.  We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and guide us to make the decisions God directs us to make.  I may not be Jordan's primary disciplinarian but my mom does often ask for my input and I need to be sure I'm sharing with her what God has planned for raising children, not just what I may feel at the moment.  Jordan is lucky to have so many caring adults who seek God looking after him.

The homework for today's dare was to make efforts to balance discipline with my actions.  Since I couldn't actually practice that today, I decided to say a prayer for Jordan and my parents in addition to following through with yesterday's challenge to encourage him each day.  Here's my prayer -
Lord, I pray that you will help guide my mom and dad and give them the strength to discipline in the way you have called them to.  I pray that Jordan will always be receptive to their guidance and that he will trust them to keep him in the right direction.  Thank you, that Jordan is in a stable home and has so many people who care for him and want to help guide him.  In Jesus' name.

"Love drives us to raise children of honor and responsibility.  Who love God and walk in integrity.  Who are a blessing to their families and to society.  And this requires a parent's love that dares to discipline."
The commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.  (Proverbs 6:23)

There is a great resource at the end of the book "What does the bible say about spanking?"  I googled it to see if there was a way to share with all of you and it looks like there is, he're the link.
What does the bible say about spanking?