Discipline

Discipline is the biggest of all bugaboos for today’s parents, the reason being they believe in behaviour modification.  They believe in methods, but the problem is their point of view, something no method will correct.   Furthermore, no method will work for long in the absence of the right point of view.  On the other hand, just about any method will work for a parent with the right point of view.  The ONE and ONLY right point of view is the biblical one.  Just as the Bible tells us what children are like, it tells us how to discipline them properly.  Not surprisingly, the Bible says nothing about behaviour modification.

1. Discipline and love are two sides of the same coin

The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the so he delights in ( Proverbs 3:12 )

2. Punishment is never pleasant but produces great benefit for the person punished

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it ( Hebrew 12:11 )

3. Punishment is essential to proper discipline

Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son ( Hebrews 12:6 )

4. Proper discipline validates a child

If you are not disciplined… then you are illegitimate children and not true sons ( Hebrews 12:8 )

5. Obedient children are pleasing to their parents

Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul ( Proverbs 29:17 )

6. Children are to obey their parents

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord ( Colossians 3:20 )

7. Obedience will bring blessings to children

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.  They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck ( Proverbs 1:8-9 )

8. The most obedient children are also the happiest, most self-respecting children

He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding ( Proverbs 15:32 )

 9.  A lack of discipline contributes to death – in the everlasting sense

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death ( Proverbs 19:18 )

10. Discipline is the way to life eternal

These commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life ( Proverbs 6:23 )

The above text is copied from the book Parenting by the Book : Biblical Wisdom for Raising Your Child, by John Rosemond. The book is about parenting base on the Bible.  Parenting according to psychology, according to the book, hasn’t worked, not working, and not going to work.  Its time parents got back to parenting by The Book.    - Ongzi