Kellogg's Korner

[fatherhood_fridays]

There is always a debate over how we should discipline our children. I see the general discipline of the children of America degrading as the power of the parent is slowly being taken away. Some parent fear their children or Child Services. All this over corporal punishment. The question is should we spank our children or use other methods of discipline. In either case we must discipline our children.

Many times the quote “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is attributed to the bible, I have done it my self. The fact is this quote first appeared in a poem by Samuel Butler in 1664. It is beleived that this line was inspired by seven verses from Proverbs.

The Bible has very definite stance on discipline. If you do not discipline your children you do not love them, but if you love them you will discipline them diligently (Prov 13:24). The bible also tells us that the harts of children are will with folly, and discipline will drive it from them (Prov 22:15). It also says that this folly and the lack of discipline will lead to death (Prov 23:14). We can see that the lack of discipline will bring shame on their parents (Prov 29:15). A child’s lack of discipline is the parents fault.

Now the question is, what who does the bible say we should discipline our children? This is an easy answer, Prov 23:13: “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.”

When people see “Rod” many jump to thinking something like a board or broomstick. The word used for rod (shay’-bet) literally translated means offshoot or branch. SOme people can remember going out to pick a switch for our punishment. I do feel that the picture of a rod or staff is overkill on corporal punishment for a child.

The Bible does tell us that there is a stopping point for punishment (Prov 19:18). You should never beat your child and cause injury. punishment and discipline has its limits. The bible does not specifically separate the harming or abuse of children from any other form of harm or abuse. How ever, the bible does say that it would be better to die then cause a child to sin (Luke 17:1-2). Studies have shown that child abuse and lead to criminal activities, many of which are addressed as sin. Also, many of the actions involved in child abuse are sins in themself.

A truly godly person would not have it in their heart to harm or abuse a child. Those who are truly saved and filed with the spirit of God would not harm a child, because harming others, weather child or adult, would be a sin.

I will not judge your views on discipline or Corporal punishment. Each of us have been brought up in different ways. I will discipline my children and bring them up in the ways of Christ. Those of you who chose not to just remember your children’s discipline is your responsibility. If you do not discipline your children it can lead to their sin, and it is better to tire weight to yourself and drown than cause a child to sin.

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