My son was playing with some toys at a local library when a little girl came over and grabbed a truck out of his toddler grip. He looked at her loot as if to say, “Hey, that’s mine!” I scanned the room for the person in charge of this little marauder, but found no one standing by to rein her in.
As parents, we have the responsibility to “direct [our] children onto the right path” (Proverbs 22:6). It is our loving discipline that helps them own up to their monkey business and sets the direction for the rest of their lives.
David probably wished he’d done a better job of keeping his kids in line. As he was dying, his son Adonijah declared, “I will make myself king” (v.5), instead of waiting for his father to name the next ruler. Adonijah lacked respect for his father because “King David had never disciplined him at any time” (v.6). Correcting our children teaches them to respect others—including us as parents.
Disciplining our little ones also helps them to calculate the consequences of their actions. Sometimes we can provide meaningful guidance just by questioning their behavior. Sadly, David never even asked Adonijah, “Why are you doing that?” (v.6).
Adonijah continued to go after Israel’s throne until finally, his brother Solomon—the rightful king—had him killed. Maybe that’s why we’re warned, “Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives” (Proverbs 19:18).
As parents, we want our kids to live meaningful, God-honoring lives. But let’s face it, “a youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness” (Proverbs 22:15). That’s why we need to help them own up to their mischief by correction and discipline—so that they’re ready to admit, “Hey, that’s mine.”
More:
• Proverbs 13:24
• Proverbs 29:15,17
• Hebrews 12:10-11
Next:
Why does God want us to discipline our children? How can you better discipline your children? Be more consistent? More loving? More age-appropriate?
tom felten on July 23, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Jennifer, thanks so much for these thoughts on discipline. I’m so glad our heavenly Father disciplines us and doesn’t leave us to our sinful and foolish ways. Hebrews 12:10-11 is encouraging, for the sting of discipline can be followed by growth and blessing!
jennifer benson schuldt on July 23, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Amen to that! Looking back on my life, I’m so thankful that God did not leave me on my own, even when I thought I knew what was best for me. As Hebrews says, divine discipline may not be enjoyable, but the benefits sure are worth it in the end!