Disciplining Our Children God’s Way
Melanie with her three boys
I do not think disciplining as a Christian parent is easy and would
contend for this point against any Christian who would assert that it
is as simple as, spare the rod, spoil the child, by referring to 1 John 1:8;
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us. For I believe we are in a continual battle with God, against
by Melanie Baker-Nash
our sinful flesh – which includes disciplining our children God’s way
and not our own. I have found it is like being in the world, but not being like the world when it
comes to disciplining my children, as we need to keep ourselves in constant check! And
discipline for me is a part of my children’s upbringing in the faith – not really a separate issue.
In the past I have read quite a
few Christian parenting books
and while I would not say this
has not been a benefit, I would
say the answer for Godly
parenting and disciplining our
children is found by going to
the source Himself. I believe it is
out of a close walk with Jesus,
connecting with Him through
His Word (the Bible) that we
become more like Him, and do
all aspects of parenting better. I
know when I am not parenting
as well as I could, that it is
actually more related to my own
relationship with Jesus than
from any other stress.
You see, I have found if I slip in my parenting when I slip in my own obedience to His
Word…and if this continues too long my heavenly Father, because of His love for me, actually
disciplines me!
Hebrews discusses our fleshly struggles and God disciplining us as His children:
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And
you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children— “My child, do not regard
lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord
disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” Heb. 12:4-6. NRSV
Have you experienced God’s discipline? I have found His discipline to be both gracious and
fair.
I know I can seek His forgiveness and that, sometimes, there will also be consequences to
follow, for I need to learn. I know He looks at my heart and knows if I am truly contrite or not. I
find scripture teaches me what God desires, just like the family rules I set for my children, and
when I fail, God is gracious and fair with me, as I need to be with my children as their head.
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