DISCIPLINE
Judgment : We judge as we are judged . I ask God to touch me as I measure my words , consequences and final rulings .
Fairness : Is your judgement fair ? We should be careful not to be so concerned with being fair that we sacrifice the measure we are attempting to relay . God is not necessarily fair but God is just at all times . If you say something , then keep to it consistently . Suffering : We mainly suffer for the following reasons :
hen we discuss the
Wdiscipline of our children , we often think in terms of corporal punishment . There are times when corporal punishment may actually be necessary , but that is not where we should start . “ Fathers , do not provoke your children to anger , but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord ” ( Ephesians 6:4 ). For example , my dad would rather talk to me and try to get me to understand the point of view of the house , than take the route of corporal punishment .
As parents or guardians , we should establish firm ground rules , as well as the consequences of repeatedly violating these rules . In this way , the child would be able to make a conscious decision and weigh the risks versus the benefits of following or breaking the ground rules . It is vital to understand that the consequences should get more severe with each offence . Let me give you the Bible verse , Proverbs 13:24 : “ Whoever spares the rod hates his son , but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him .”
The question that arises , is : where and when do we start corporal punishment ? I realize that , as a result of heavy-handed discipline , lawmakers have been trying to protect children from abuse . However , if we do not have control of the way we raise our children , we will be handling them over to the police , judges and prison guards in the nearest future
This reminds me of the broken window theory : if we accept one broken window , we will accept two broken windows , three , on and on . On the other hand , if we keep the windows intact , we will appreciate the effort of preserving the building . We may not even know that we appreciate it , but we do . In other words , if we allow one little thing to slide , more and more will follow . We cannot keep kicking the can down the road : at some point , someone has to take the responsibility of picking it up and disposing of it . In order for this to work there need to be much more in place . Discipline is necessary and effective in correcting or molding character and behavior . What is also necessary , is to learn how to be obedient . The process by which God ' s people learned obedience was the “ discipline of the Lord ” ( Deuteronomy 11:2 : NIV ).
In the short version of the topic of discipline , I believe in following a few basic principles : severity , judgement , fairness
Severity : I believe that the punishment should be measured , with more severity than the act itself .
We make choices against the rules that governor our lives , which leads to suffering . We suffer because of our own foolishness : we always reap what we sow ( Gal . 6:79 ). Sometimes , we suffer because of God ' s discipline . “ For those whom the Lord loves , He disciplines , and He scourges every son He receives ” ( Heb . 12:6 ).
We may suffer persecution because of our faith particularly when we take a firm stand on biblical issues , e . g . suffering for righteousness sake ( 2 Tim . 3:12 ). In conclusion , I would like to present scriptures of love . The love needed here is clearly shown in God ' s Word .
“ Honor your father and your mother , that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you ( Exodus 20:12 : ESV ). As you can see , this scripture actually offers a reward for following it . Train your children in the way ( s ) that they should follow and they will not depart from it not even when they are old ( Proverbs 22:6 : ESV ). “ And above all these put on love , which binds everything together in perfect harmony ( Colossians 3:14 ).
Presiding Bishop , Dr . GE Gordon Sr .
Train up a child in the way he should go , and when he is old he will not depart from it . Proverbs 22:6
The BrighterLife Magazine | Page 02